[Humerus head resection as therapy of compound fracture of the upper arm--results]

Proximal humeral fractures are frequent injuries in older patients. Most of these fractures respond satisfactorily to conservative treatment. Problems arise in cases of four-part displacements and in head-splitting fractures with massive defects in the articular surface. Between 1970 to 1988 eight patients were treated in our clinic in this situation by resection of the humeral head. 6 patients could be followed-up for an average of 69 months. Postoperative findings showed a restricted range of motion in all operated shoulders. The average abduction of the arm was 60 degrees (40-80 degrees) and elevation 60 degrees (40-80 degrees). The patients showed a mean external rotation of 17 degrees (5-30 degrees) and an internal rotation of 48 degrees (5-90 degrees). Only one patient was painless, 2 patients had pain during the night, and 3 patients suffered from various pain symptoms. Nevertheless 5 of 6 patients assessed the result as satisfactory and one patient as good.