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Published on: June 6, 2025
Displaced proximal humeral fractures: intramedullary nailing versus conservative treatment
Chris M van den Broek1, Marijn van den Besselaar, Jean M F Coenen
1Department of Orthopedics, AIOS Orthopedic Surgery, Sint Maartenskliniek, P.O. Box 9011, 6500 GM Nijmegen, The Netherlands. cmvandenbroek@hotmail.com
Introduction:
A variety of different treatment options are available for displaced three- or four-part fractures. In a retrospective cohort study we evaluated the results of intramedullary nailing with the ACE nail and conservative treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-four patients suffered a neer 4, 5 or 6 proximal humeral fracture who were treated with intramedullary nailing. Sixteen patients received conservative treatment for their Neer 4, 5 or 6 fracture.
Results:
Taking critical remarks in consideration, the results of intramedullary nailing are not very satisfactory compared to the conservative-treated group. However functional results of our operative group are comparable to those from other studies in literature.
Conclusion:
Displaced three- or four-part proximal humeral fractures can be treated by intramedullary nailing. Familiarity with the fracture deformity and experience with the surgical techniques are critical for successful operative treatment outcome. Most complications in the operative treatment group can be avoided; inadequate reduction can lead to wrong insertion place with secondary problems (dislocation and subacromial impingement). Also future improvements in osteosynthesis like angle stable screw fixation (osteoporosis) and minimally invasive device will probably decrease the complication rate.
