[Treatment of subcapital humerus fracture with the Prévot nail]

Displaced subcapital fractures of the humerus are difficult to manage due to the specific anatomical and biological conditions in the proximal humerus. With respect to the fracture type and extent of displacement of the humeral head and the tuberosities the concepts for treatment remain controversial. A large spectrum of recommendations for the treatment of unstable subcapital fractures are known ranging from conservative treatment, open reduction and internal fixation using different implants to the primary prosthetic replacement of the humeral head. Recent results from basic research emphasize the importance of sound tissue viability for undisturbed fracture healing and influence today's strategies in fracture management. Minimal exposure of the fracture area, indirect reduction techniques and a minimal but optimal biomechanical use of implants can help to avoid some of the possible (and partially iatrogenic) complications. Fixation of subcapital humeral fractures by intramedullary pinning seems to provide sufficient stability without damaging the vascularity of the fracture fragments leaving intact in addition the soft tissues around the shoulder. The treatment of proximal humeral fractures by the use of Prévotnails is presented in this paper and some possible problems of the method are discussed.