Minimal invasive fixation of proximal humeral fractures with an intramedullary nail: good results in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE

To report on the results of a minimally invasive technique for the fixation of displaced proximal humeral fractures with a locked intramedullary nail.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All consecutive patients treated with a T2 intramedullary nail between 2004 and 2007 were evaluated. Thirty-three patients were included [mean age 78, m:f ratio (1:4)]. Fracture characteristics were classified according to AO and Neer (eighteen 2-part, eleven 3-part, five 4-part fractures).

RESULTS

Functional outcome (Constant Score) was excellent in nine, satisfactory in eight and poor in three patients. Subjective outcome was satisfactory to good for patients with 2-part and 3-part fractures but poor for 4-part fractures. Major complications comprised four fixation failures, two cases of impingement and one deep infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive fixation of displaced 2-part and 3-part humeral fractures in an elderly population shows satisfactory to excellent results in 80% of patients.