Non-operative treatment versus tension-band osteosynthesis in three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. A retrospective study of 34 fractures from two different trauma centers.

摘要

Thirty-four patients with three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures from two different trauma centres were studied retrospectively. Sixteen were treated without osteosynthesis and compared with 18 patients treated with tension-band fixation. Fracture classification and clinical examination were made by the same persons in both groups. Most of the three-part fractures healed with good pain relief and good function in daily life but often with a loss of motion. Four-part fractures often led to pain, loss of motion and of function. Conservative treatment seemed superior to tension-band fixation for three-part fractures. Four-part fractures healed with better function and range of motion after tension-band fixation.