[Drill wire osteosynthesis in subcapital humerus fractures: percutaneous or open procedure?]

Between 1978 and mid-1990, 135 patients suffering from dislocated, non-luxated fracture of the humerus at the anatomical neck (fractura colli anatomici) were treated by means of open or closed percutaneous drill wire osteosynthesis. Follow-up examination after an average of 9 months did not show any significant differences between the two surgical approaches in 117 patients, independent of the shape of the fracture. However, in about 30% of the cases it was impossible to employ the percutaneous approach due to the presence of an obstacle to reduction, so that open reduction and fixation was the only choice. A great majority of the functional results must be considered as good, fractures of the tubercles having the most unfavourable prognosis independent of the surgical technique. It is, therefore, recommended to first try closed reduction with percutaneous drill wire osteosynthesis. If there are any obstacles to reduction, open reduction should be restored to during the surgery session.