The importance of patient selection for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures with percutaneous technique
Abstract
Methods: The study included 18 patients (10 men, 8 women; mean age 48 years; range 14 to 89 years) who underwent percutaneous fixation (closed reduction and pin fixation with Kwires or Schanz screws) for proximal humerus fractures. Eight patients were beyond 60 years of age. According to the Neer classification, five patients had two-part, 13 patients had threepart neck fractures. The patients were evaluated with range of motion of the shoulder, radiographs, and the Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). The mean followup was 23 months (range 8 to 60 months).
Results: The mean shoulder abduction was 134º (range 30º to 160º) and the mean elevation was 118º (range 30º to 140º). Full range of motion of the shoulder was achieved in 11 patients (61.1%), including all with two-part fractures. Abduction losses of 60º to 130º and less than 30º were seen in four patients and three patients, respectively, all of whom were older than 60 years. The mean DASH score was 18 (range 0 to 77). Fourteen patients having a score of less than 10 had no pain or functional complaints. Four patients with a score of more than 10 were older than 70 years. Pin migration was observed in seven patients (38.9%), all of whom were over 60 years of age. One patient required revision with partial prosthesis. Nonunion was seen in one patient (5.6%) and malunion with a varus/valgus deformity occurred in four patients (22.2%). None of the patients developed avascular necrosis.
Conclusion: Percutaneous fixation may be preferred in the treatment of two-part and carefully-selected three-part proximal humerus fractures. Due to high complication rate, patient selection is of primary importance among elderly patients.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Murat Kayalar
This is me
Tulgar Toros
This is me
Emin Bal
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Kemal Ozkasar
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Yusuf Gurbuz
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Yalcin Ademoglu
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Publication Date
March 16, 2009
Submission Date
May 10, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2009 Volume: 43 Number: 1