1. The Polarus intramedullary nail for proximal humeral fractures: outcome in 28 patients followed for 1 year
- Author
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Maarten Van Der Elst, M. Hogervorst, Lars Mommers, Ilse Stobbe, Jan P A M Verbruggen, Nico Sosef, and Steven J. Rhemrev
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Reoperation ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Nonunion ,Avascular necrosis ,Bone Nails ,law.invention ,Intramedullary rod ,law ,medicine ,Initial treatment ,Humans ,Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,Osteosynthesis ,business.industry ,Treatment options ,General Medicine ,Recovery of Function ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Surgery ,Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ,Radiography ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Treatment Outcome ,Nail (anatomy) ,Shoulder Fractures ,Constant score ,Female ,business ,Follow-Up Studies - Abstract
One of the new treatment options for proximal humeral fractures is the minimally invasive intramedullary nail. In this study, we reviewed the early clinical results after 1 year.35 patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated using the Polarus nail. In 14 cases the initial treatment was operative; the other 21 patients were initially treated nonoperatively. 19 patients had a 2-part fracture, 5 had a 3-part fracture and 2 had a 4-part fracture. In 9 patients the fracture extended metaphyseally. The functional outcome was assessed by the Constant score.28 patients were available for 1-year followup. 17 patients showed excellent functional outcome (with an average Constant score of 81%). 6 patients required revision surgery, 1 because of nonunion and 1 because of an avascular necrosis. 4 others were reoperated because of inadequate position of the osteosynthesis or migration of the screws.The Polarus nail is of value for (displaced) 2-, 3-, and even 4-part proximal humeral fractures and enables early postoperative mobilization with a limited amount of pain.
- Published
- 2007