External fixation of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus. ³

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Technique and preliminary results. Kristiansen B. Kofoed H. Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery - British Volume. 69(4):643-6, 1987 Aug. A new technique for the treatment of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus is described. Twelve fractures in 11 patients were managed by transcutaneous reduction using a Steinmann pin, and external fixation with a Hoffmann-type neutralising bar connected to two half-pins in the humeral * head and three half-pins in the shaft. The pins were removed after four weeks. Two patients sustained redisplacement after a further injury, but in the others reduction was maintained. Two cases of pin-track infection resolved after antibiotics, but delayed union resulted. There were no Á neurovascular injuries and at follow-up of 6 to 12 months no refractures had been seen. The early functional results were excellent or satisfactory in nine cases. *