Rush pin intramedullary fixation for fractures of the proximal humerus

We have treated almost 700 proximal humeral fractures, and selected from them a series of 16 cases which required operative intervention in the form of semiclosed reduction and internal fixation with the Rush pin because of the marked amount of displacement and risk on nonunion. We favor the 3/16 inch Rush pin for this operation. Fractures of the surgical neck comprise the vast majority of cases operated upon in this series. They are the easiest to reduce and fix by the Rush pin technique. Certain comminuted severely displaced fractures involving the anatomic neck of the humerus and/or greater and lesser tuberosities also lend themselves to this operation with comparable results to other methods of treatment. There have been no postoperative motalities and minimal morbidity. The operation can be performed rapidly and requires only a short period of immobilization and hospitalization.