title: The Plate-Joystick technique to reduce proximal humeral fractures and nonunions with a varus deformity through the extended deltoid-splitting approach.
abstract: Fractures and nonunions in which there is a varus deformity of the humeral head producing posterinferior subluxation of the articular surface are increasingly recognized as an important subgroup of proximal humeral fractures. Operative open reduction and internal fixation of these injuries is often recommended when the varus deformity is severe. We describe a simple technique to assist in the open reduction and locking plate stabilization of this challenging and complex fracture subtype using tools and implants that are readily available in most modern orthopaedic trauma operating rooms.
authors.affiliation: The Shoulder Injury Clinic, Edinburgh Orthopedic Trauma Unit, The New Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. c.mike.robinson@ed.ac.uk
authors.forename: C Michael
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Dominic
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Inman
authors.forename: Sally-Anne
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D058430:Humeral Head / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000601:surgery*