Wijgman, J Bone Joint Surg Am 2002 - Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Three- and Four-Part Fractures of the Proximal Part of the Humerus

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Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Three- and Four-Part Fractures of the Proximal Part of the Humerus

Wijgman, Marti, et al.·J Bone Joint Surg Am·2002·254 citations·Case series

Background

Controversy persists concerning the preferred treatment of displaced fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation of three and four-part fractures of the proximal part of the humerus and the functional limitations of patients in whom avascular necrosis of the humeral head develops as a complication of this fracture.

Methods

We assessed the intermediate and long-term results for 60 patients with a 3 or 4-part fracture of the proximal part of the humerus who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage wires or a T-plate. The Constant score and a visual analog score for pain were calculated, and radiographs of the proximal part of the humerus were evaluated.

Results

After an average of 10 years of follow-up, 52 patients (87%) had a good or excellent result on the basis of the Constant score whereas 8 patients (13%) had a poor result.
51 patients (85%) were satisfied with the result at the time of the most recent examination.
22 patients (37%) had development of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, and 17 (77%) of these 22 patients had a good or excellent Constant score.

Conclusions

Open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage wires or a T-plate yields good functional results in most patients. This option should be considered even for patients with fracture-dislocation patterns that are associated with a high risk for avascular necrosis of the humeral head, as this complication did not preclude a good result.

Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Three- and Four-Part Fractures of the Proximal Part of the Humerus

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Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Three- and Four-Part Fractures of the Proximal Part of the Humerus

Wijgman, Marti, et al.·J Bone Joint Surg Am·2002·254 citations·Case series

Background

Controversy persists concerning the preferred treatment of displaced fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation of three and four-part fractures of the proximal part of the humerus and the functional limitations of patients in whom avascular necrosis of the humeral head develops as a complication of this fracture.

Methods

We assessed the intermediate and long-term results for 60 patients with a 3 or 4-part fracture of the proximal part of the humerus who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage wires or a T-plate. The Constant score and a visual analog score for pain were calculated, and radiographs of the proximal part of the humerus were evaluated.

Results

After an average of 10 years of follow-up, 52 patients (87%) had a good or excellent result on the basis of the Constant score whereas 8 patients (13%) had a poor result.
51 patients (85%) were satisfied with the result at the time of the most recent examination.
22 patients (37%) had development of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, and 17 (77%) of these 22 patients had a good or excellent Constant score.

Conclusions

Open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage wires or a T-plate yields good functional results in most patients. This option should be considered even for patients with fracture-dislocation patterns that are associated with a high risk for avascular necrosis of the humeral head, as this complication did not preclude a good result.

Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.

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