Intramedullary Nailing for Complex Fractures of the Proximal and Midshaft of the Humerus

Chul-Hyun Cho; Gu-Hee Jung; Kyo-Wook Kim

doi:10.12671/jkfs.2011.24.3.237

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Cho, Jung, and Kim: Intramedullary Nailing for Complex Fractures of the Proximal and Midshaft of the Humerus

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Fracture Society

Journal of the Korean Fracture Society 2011; 24(3): 237-242.

Published online: 15 July 2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2011.24.3.237

Intramedullary Nailing for Complex Fractures of the Proximal and Midshaft of the Humerus

Chul-Hyun Cho, M.D., Ph.D., Gu-Hee Jung, M.D.^*, Kyo-Wook Kim, M.D.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgey, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.

^*Department of Orthopaedic Surgey, Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Chul-Hyun Cho, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 56, Dalsung-ro, Joong-gu, Daegu 700-712, Korea. Tel: 82-53-250-7729, Fax: 82-53-250-7205, oscho5362@dsmc.or.kr

Received 5 May 2011 Revised 30 May 2011 Accepted 24 June 2011

(open-access):

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the results of antegrade interlocking intramedullary nailing for complex fractures of the proximal and midshaft of the humerus.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiologic results in 11 cases, which were treated by antegrade interlocking intramedullary nail. We assessed clinical outcomes according to ASES scoring system and radiological result.

Results

All cases had bony union and the mean union period was 14.7 weeks. Postoperative complications were 1 loss of fixation, 2 proximal protrusion of nail and 2 temporary shoulder pain. A case with loss of fixation was treated open reduction and refixation and had union at 14 weeks postoperatively. The mean ASES score was 85.9 and the clinical outcomes were 4 excellent, 5 good, 1 fair and 1 poor.

Conclusion

Intramedullary nailing for complex fractures of the proximal and midshaft of the humerus can offer a reliable treatment option.

Keywords: Proximal humerus, Shaft, Complex fracture, Intramedullary nailing

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1

Extended type, 51-year-old man.

(A) Preoperative radiographs show comminuted fracture of the proximal and shaft of right humerus.

(B) Postoperative radiographs show internal fixation using AO humeral nail.

(C) Radiograph at 9 months after the surgery show complete bony union.

Fig. 2

Segmental type, 23-year-old woman.

(A) Preoperative radiographs show segmental fracture of the proximal and shaft of right humerus.

(B) Postoperative radiographs show internal fixation using Polarus plus nail.

(C) Radiograph at 6 months after the surgery show complete bony union.

Fig. 3

Extended type, 55-year-old woman.

(A) Preoperative radiographs show fracture of the proximal 1/3 of right humerus.

(B) Radiographs at 5^th postoperative day show fixation failure after internal fixation using Polarus nail.

(C) Radiograph at 12 months after revision surgery show complete bony union.

Table 1

Demographic data

Table 2

Details of results and complications in 11 cases

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