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- Title
Treatment of unusual proximal humeral fractures using unilateral external fixator: a case series.
- Authors
Uzer, Gökçer; Yıldız, Fatih; Elmadağ, Mehmet; Bilsel, Kerem; Pulatkan, Anil
- Abstract
Objective: To report the functional and radiological results of unusual comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus, treated with 'closed reduction and external fixation' (CREF) using hybrid-type unilateral external fixators (EFs). Patients and methods: Between January 2012 and June 2013, eight patients (mean age 62.6; range 48-84 years) with comminuted proximal humeral fractures extending to the humeral head and one-third proximal diaphysis were treated with CREF using hybrid-type EFs. Functional results were evaluated in terms of shoulder ranges of movement, Constant, DASH, and VAS scores, and radiological results were evaluated using antero-posterior and lateral radiograms of the treated humerus. Results: The mean follow-up was 16.6 (range 12-28) months. The mean fixator time was 84 (range 63-118) days. The mean range of forward flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, and abduction were 145°, 61.2°, 65°, and 115°, respectively. The mean Constant, DASH, and VAS scores were 79.8, 10, and 1.75, respectively. Seven of the eight patients (87.5 %) healed radiologically. Two complications were observed in two patients: non-union and superficial pin site infection. Conclusions: In the treatment of unusual, comminuted proximal diaphyseal humeral fractures, CREF using a hybrid-type EF is a minimally invasive, advantageous procedure with acceptable rates of healing, low risk of surgical site infection, and early range of motion. Level of evidence: Level IV, case series.
- Subjects
EXTERNAL fixators; FRACTURE fixation; BONE fractures; RANGE of motion of joints; QUESTIONNAIRES; X-rays; HUMERUS injuries; VISUAL analog scale; TREATMENT effectiveness; RETROSPECTIVE studies; COMMINUTED fractures; DESCRIPTIVE statistics
- Publication
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, 2015, Vol 25, Issue 4, p683
- ISSN
1633-8065
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00590-014-1579-9