Hook Plate Fixation for Isolated Greater Tuberosity Fractures of the Humerus

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes after fixation using a 3.5-mm locking compression plate (LCP) hook plate for isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures of the proximal humerus. METHODS: We evaluated the postoperative radiological and clinical outcomes in nine patients who were followed up at least 1 year with isolated GT fractures. Using the deltopectoral approach, we fixed the displaced GT fragments with a 3.5-mm LCP hook plate (Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA). Depending on the fracture patterns, the hook plate was fixed with or without augmentation using either tension suture or suture anchor fixation. RESULTS: All the patient showed successful bone union. The mean time-to-union was 11 weeks. The radiological and clinical outcomes at the final follow-up were generally satisfactory. The mean visual analogue scale for pain, the University of California at Los Angeles score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the subjective shoulder value were 1.4, 30.3, 84.3, and 82.2%, respectively. The mean active forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation of the shoulder were 156.7°, 152.2°, 61.1°, and the 10th thoracic vertebral level, respectively. Only one patient presented with a postoperative complication of shoulder stiffness. The patient was treated through arthroscopic capsular release on the 5th postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that fixation using 3.5-mm LCP hook plates for isolated GT fractures of the proximal humerus is a useful treatment method that provides satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes.

Hook Plate Fixation for Isolated Greater Tuberosity Fractures of the Humerus

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes after fixation using a 3.5-mm locking compression plate (LCP) hook plate for isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures of the proximal humerus. METHODS: We evaluated the postoperative radiological and clinical outcomes in nine patients who were followed up at least 1 year with isolated GT fractures. Using the deltopectoral approach, we fixed the displaced GT fragments with a 3.5-mm LCP hook plate (Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA). Depending on the fracture patterns, the hook plate was fixed with or without augmentation using either tension suture or suture anchor fixation. RESULTS: All the patient showed successful bone union. The mean time-to-union was 11 weeks. The radiological and clinical outcomes at the final follow-up were generally satisfactory. The mean visual analogue scale for pain, the University of California at Los Angeles score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the subjective shoulder value were 1.4, 30.3, 84.3, and 82.2%, respectively. The mean active forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation of the shoulder were 156.7°, 152.2°, 61.1°, and the 10th thoracic vertebral level, respectively. Only one patient presented with a postoperative complication of shoulder stiffness. The patient was treated through arthroscopic capsular release on the 5th postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that fixation using 3.5-mm LCP hook plates for isolated GT fractures of the proximal humerus is a useful treatment method that provides satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes.

The Treatment Results in Site of Tibia Fracture Treated with Interlocking Intramedullary Nail / 계명의대학술지

Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for most diaphyseal fractures of the tibia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the result of tibia fractures treated with interlocking intramedullary nail, according to different sites of fractures. From september 2004 to august 2012, 106 cases of tibia fracture with a minimum follow up until bony union were selected and analyzed retrospectively. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 24.5 months. The location of fractures were divided into three groups, proximal (n = 18), mid (n = 42), distal (n = 46). Delayed union, mal-alignment and additional operation were investigated. The number of angle change over 5 degrees in the coronal plane and 10 degrees in the sagittal plane were 7 cases in proximal, 7 cases in mid, and 12 cases in distal with statistic significance. And an additional operation was required in 6 patients in proximal fracture, 2 patients in mid fracture, and 7 patients in distal fracture during bony union. Conclusively, intramedullary nailing in proximal and distal tibia fracture showed higher delayed union rate and could result in excessive angle change due to mal-alignment. Therefore, proximal level or distal level tibia fractures need more accurate reduction of fracture than midshaft level would need more accurate reduction of fracture and observe bony union through regularly radiography examination.