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Proximal humeral fractures in the elderly. Treatment with an intramedullary nail
1Department of Trauma Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.Debeyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Purpose:
To discuss the use of intramedullary nailing in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly.
Method:
Review of the existing literature on intramedullary nailing of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly.
Results:
Intramedullary nailing of proximal humeral fractures as minimal invasive technique has certain advantages in view of soft tissue damage, blood loss and operation time. On the other hand it might not be the ideal solution for more complex fracture types.
Conclusion:
Intramedullary nailing of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly is a valid treatment option with some advantages compared to plating. However operative treatment of these fractures still has a large re-operation rate compared to non-operative treatment.

