Early results of treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly by modified hackethal technique

ABSTRACT

Proximal humerus fractures resulting from low energy trauma are common among elderly osteoporotic population and remain a challenging therapeutic problem because of the poor bone quality in addition to the comminution which is usually present in these patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of treatment of displaced two and three part proximal humeral fractures in the elderly by closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary K-wires fixation. Sixteen patients [10 females and 6 males, average age 61 years] with displaced two and three parts proximal humeral fractures according to Neer's classification were evaluated and treated with closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary K-wires fixation. All patients were followed up clinically and radi-ologically according to the score of Constant for the average period of 17 months. All the fractures united within 6-9 weeks, with an average of 7 weeks. Out of 100 points according to the Constant's functional outcome scoring, 4 cases [25%] with two part fractures had an average 75 points and 12 cases [75%] with three part fractures 68 points. The method of closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary K-wires fixation yields satisfactory results in two part and three part proximal humerus fractures and can be a treatment of choice especially in elderly osteoporotic patients