Resultados clínicos y radiológicos de las fracturas de húmero proximal tratadas mediante enclavado intramedular, así como posibles factores de riesgo de un mal resultado / Clinical and radiological results of fractures of the proximal humerus treated with intramedullary nailing and possible risk factors of a poor outcome

Antecedentes: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiográficos de las fracturas de húmero proximal tratadas mediante fijación con clavo intramedular, así como los factores de riesgo asociados a un mal resultado. Métodos: Se han revisado retrospectivamente a pacientes con un seguimiento mínimo de un año. Se realizó una revisión clínica objetiva mediante la escala de Constant y subjetiva del grado de satisfacción, EVA y valoración de discapacidad mediante la escala de DASH. Radiológicamente, los enfermos fueron revisados mediante radiografías AP y axial en el plano escapular. Resultados: Se incluyeron 46 pacientes, 91.3% se presentó clínicamente satisfechos con el tratamiento. La movilidad media fue de 155º de flexión, 60º de rotación lateral y rotación medial. La puntuación media del Constant fue de 70 y del DASH de 15 puntos. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto al Constant en menores de 60 años, no siendo éstas significativas con el tipo de fractura o teniendo en cuenta el DASH. Radiográficamente, la tasa de consolidación fue de 95.7%, apreciándose dos casos de seudoartrosis. En 17 pacientes se observó una consolidación en varo (38.6%). Se encontraron diferencias funcionales comparando los pacientes con consolidación en varo y consolidación anatómica. Discusión: La fijación mediante clavo intramedular es un tratamiento efectivo para las fracturas de húmero proximal, sobre todo para fracturas en dos partes del cuello quirúrgico. La alta tasa de colapso en varo, sobre todo en fracturas con gran conminución, puede acarrear una disminución en la movilidad.

Background: To assess the clinical and radiological results of fractures of the proximal humerus treated with intramedullary nail fixation as well as the risk factors associated with a poor outcome. Methods: Patients were analyzed retrospectively with a minimum follow-up of one year. An objective clinical assessment was made using the Constant scale, the subjective satisfaction scale, VAS, and the DASH scale to measure disability. The radiological assessment included AP and axial X-rays in the scapular plane. Results: Forty-six patients were enrolled. The clinical assessment showed that 91.3% of them were satisfied with treatment. Mean mobility was 155º of flexion, 60º of lateral and medial rotation. The mean Constant score was 70 and the DASH score was 15. Significant differences were found in the Constant score in individuals under 60 years of age, but they were not significant considering the type of fracture or the DASH score. X-rays showed a healing rate of 95.7%, with two cases of pseudarthrosis. Varus healing was observed in 17 patients (38.6%). Functional differences were found when patients with varus healing were compared with those who had anatomical healing. Discussion: Fixation with intramedullary nailing is an effective treatment for fractures of the proximal humerus, particularly for two-segment fractures of the surgical neck. The high rate of varus collapse, particularly in very comminuted fractures, may lead to decreased mobility.

[Clinical and radiological results of fractures of the proximal humerus treated with intramedullary nailing and possible risk factors of a poor outcome]. / Resultados clínicos y radiolígicos de las fracturas de húmero proximal tratadas mediante enclavado intramedular, así como posibles factores de riesgo de un mal resultado.

BACKGROUND: To assess the clinical and radiological results of fractures of the proximal humerus treated with intramedullary nail fixation as well as the risk factors associated with a poor outcome. METHODS: Patients were analyzed retrospectively with a minimum follow-up of one year. An objective clinical assessment was made using the Constant scale, the subjective satisfaction scale, VAS, and the DASH scale to measure disability. The radiological assessment included AP and axial X-rays in the scapular plane. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were enrolled. The clinical assessment showed that 91.3% of them were satisfied with treatment. Mean mobility was 1550 of flexion, 600 of lateral and medial rotation. The mean Constant score was 70 and the DASH score was 15. Significant differences were found in the Constant score in individuals under 60 years of age, but they were not significant considering the type of fracture or the DASH score. X-rays showed a healing rate of 95.7%, with two cases of pseudarthrosis. Varus healing was observed in 17 patients (38.6%). Functional differences were found when patients with varus healing were compared with those who had anatomical healing. DISCUSSION: Fixation with intramedullary nailing is an effective treatment for fractures of the proximal humerus, particularly for two-segment fractures of the surgical neck. The high rate of varus collapse, particularly in very comminuted fractures, may lead to decreased mobility.