A new osteosynthesis device for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. Description of the technique and preliminary results.

The treatment of third proximal humerus complex fractures represents a challenge and osteosynthesis techniques are still controversial. The Authors report a new device that has been planned and used to treat this type of fracture, suitable for both young and elderly patients. The device consists of a perforated prismatic-triangular titanium cage (PTTC), available in different sizes so that it can be inserted in the bone cavity as a bridge. Thus, it supports the cephalic cap and, resting on the metaepiphyseal walls, allows greater and lesser tuberosities to be restored using osteosutures or minimal osteosynthesis devices. Furthermore, bone chips or bone substitutes can be inserted as filling in the perforated parts. From June 2005 to February 2006 we used this osteosynthesis surgical technique to treat 10 patients, 4 females and 6 males, all affected by proximal humerus complex fractures. No specific complications during and after surgery were noticed. The reported results are still to be considered as preliminary, but they are very encouraging. In all the cases the effective internal stabilisation allowed anatomical reduction of fragments, their stable fixation, reconstruction close to standard anatomy and early rehabilitation.