Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
04:41
Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Proximal humerus fractures treated by percutaneous locking plate internal fixation.
D-M Rouleau1, G-Y Laflamme, G K Berry
1Sacré-Coeur hospital of Montreal, 5400, boulevard Gouin-Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery & Research : OTSR
|March 3, 2009
Summary
Minimally-invasive percutaneous plating offers a safe and effective surgical option for unstable proximal humerus fractures. This technique promotes early recovery and good functional outcomes with preserved soft tissues.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Optimal surgical treatment for unstable proximal humerus fractures lacks consensus.
- Minimally-invasive plating presents a promising alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel surgical technique for proximal humerus fractures.
- To evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of this minimally-invasive approach.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, multicentric study involving 34 patients with proximal humerus fractures.
- Technique involves closed/minimally-invasive reduction and implantation of a specialized locking plate.
- Axillary nerve protection emphasized; DASH and Constant scores used for evaluation.
Main Results:
- No axillary nerve injuries or loss of reduction observed.
- Median Constant score of 82 and mean DASH score of 26 at 1-year follow-up.
- Satisfactory age-adjusted functional scores; 6% revision rate for screw penetration.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous plating with angular screw fixation is safe and effective for proximal humerus fractures.
- Minimally-invasive techniques enhance soft-tissue preservation and early functional recovery.
- Improved implants and techniques contribute to better early and long-term outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...