Helix wire osteosynthesis for proximal humeral fractures: unacceptable nonunion rate in two- and three-part fractures.

摘要

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the proximal humerus are very common, but controversy still exists about the preferred type of operative treatment in displaced fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We followed 15 patients (12 female and 3 male, average age 70 years) with 15 dislocated type II (9) and III (6) proximal humeral fractures after helix wire osteosynthesis. RESULTS: A nonunion developed in seven cases (47%). Three patients were reoperated (prosthesis: 2, repair: 1). Seven patients were available for follow-up (average: 14 months). Three patients had a Constant score of 80 or more and four patients had a score under 70 points. CONCLUSION: The results of the helix wire osteosynthesis for proximal humeral fractures are poor and we do not recommend its further use.