Internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures with the polarus intramedullary nail.

The optimal treatment method for displaced proximal humeral fractures continues to be under debate. There are a variety of fixation techniques, none of which has been proven to be more effective. We retrospectively studied 24 patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures, treated with the Polarus intramedullary nail. All patients were followed radiographically and clinically for one year. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Constant score. All fractures went on to clinical and radiographic union. Mean time to union was 9.2 weeks (range: 9-16). Only one patient with a 3-part fracture had an asymptomatic malunion and one patient had iatrogenic radial nerve palsy, which spontaneously recovered. In total, 83.3% of the patients had an excellent or good clinical outcome. The Polarus nail appeared in this study as an effective device to treat proximal humeral fractures, with good overall functional results and a low complication rate.