Treatment of severely displaced proximal humeral fractures in children with retrograde elastic stable intramedullary nailing

We report our experience of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of severely displaced proximal humeral fracture Type III and IV according to Neer in children. Thirty-five children (mean age 12.7 years) with 19 Salter–Harris Type II epiphyseal fractures and 16 children with metaphyseal fractures of the proximal humerus were treated with ESIN by one-nail or two-nail-technique. There were the following complications: two perforations of the nail at the head of the humerus with loss of position, one loss of position without nail perforation, one misplacement of a nail, one revision due to haematoma and two difficult removals of metal. For follow-up examinations after 26 months the children were classified by use of the Constant–Murley score. On average they gained 99 points. All children were able to resume their sporting activities as before. For the treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in children more than 10 years old the retrograde ESIN represents a safe minimal invasive surgical procedure.     

Displaced proximal humeral fractures: intramedullary nailing versus conservative treatment

Introduction A variety of different treatment options are available for displaced three- or four-part fractures. In a retrospective cohort study we evaluated the results of intramedullary nailing with the ACE nail and conservative treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures. Materials and methods Twenty-four patients suffered a neer 4, 5 or 6 proximal humeral fracture who were treated with intramedullary nailing. Sixteen patients received conservative treatment for their Neer 4, 5 or 6 fracture. Results Taking critical remarks in consideration, the results of intramedullary nailing are not very satisfactory compared to the conservative-treated group. However functional results of our operative group are comparable to those from other studies in literature. Conclusion Displaced three- or four-part proximal humeral fractures can be treated by intramedullary nailing. Familiarity with the fracture deformity and experience with the surgical techniques are critical for successful operative treatment outcome. Most complications in the operative treatment group can be avoided; inadequate reduction can lead to wrong insertion place with secondary problems (dislocation and subacromial impingement). Also future improvements in osteosynthesis like angle stable screw fixation (osteoporosis) and minimally invasive device will probably decrease the complication rate.     

Intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures in children through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter using a modified rigid humeral intramedullary nail: preliminary results of a new technique in 15 children

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical results of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures using a rigid intramedullary nail placed through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter in older children and adolescents. DESIGN: A retrospective study was carried out evaluating all skeletally immature patients with femoral shaft fractures treated using a modified rigid humeral intramedullary nail. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen children and adolescents with displaced femoral diaphyseal fractures and open physes. INTERVENTION: Femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents were stabilized using a modified humeral intramedullary nail placed through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patients were evaluated to determine time to union, final fracture alignment, hospital stay, complications, clinical outcome, and proximal femoral changes including avascular necrosis or proximal femoral valgus with femoral neck narrowing. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year (range 70-157 weeks). The average age of the patients was 12 years and 5 months (range 8 years and 2 months-17 years and 1 month). All fractures healed at a mean of 7 weeks (range 5-14 weeks) after fracture. The average hospital stay for patients with isolated femur fractures (8/15) was 2.8 days (range 1-5 days). At an average follow-up of 141 weeks (range 70-326 weeks), no patient had developed avascular necrosis, femoral neck valgus, femoral neck narrowing, or other complications. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of intramedullary nailing in children through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter seems to be safe, effective, and well tolerated by patients.     

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing for displaced proximal humeral fractures in older children

Purpose To demonstrate the effectiveness of intramedullary fixation of severely displaced proximal humeral physeal fractures in skeletally immature children using the elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN). Methods Retrospective recruitment of 14 patients aged 10–15-years old with severely displaced proximal humeral physeal fractures between 1999 and 2004 in a single regional specialist paediatric orthopaedic hospital. The fractures were graded using the Neer classification; severe displacement constituted Neer II–IV or displacement >1 cm and angulation >45°. Patients were followed up and assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and the Neer Shoulder score. Radiographs were assessed for deformity. Subjective satisfaction was assessed. Results Fourteen patients with mean follow-up of 30 months (12–66 m) from surgery. All fractures were radiologically united at a median time of eight weeks (7–10 weeks). At follow-up, Neer Shoulder mean score was 96.79 (range 83–100) and DASH mean score 2.26 (0–7.5). Subjectively 71% were very satisfied and 29% were satisfied. Conclusions We commend stabilisation using ESIN in the management of the displaced proximal humeral physeal fracture in older children, once reduction of the fracture has been achieved by either closed or open means. ESIN is safe and allows early return to pre-injury function.     

Treatment of humeral shaft fractures with antegrade intramedullary locking nail

Antegrade interlocked humeral nailing for stabilization of humeral fractures was introduced many years ago, and studies on this method in the orthopedic literature have shown mixed results. The purpose of this investigation was to document the clinical outcome and complications associated with the use of an antegrade intramedullary nail (T2, Stryker) for the humeral fractures. Between 2005 and 2008, 52 fractures of the humeral shaft were treated operatively with this intramedullary nail in our department. Eight patients were polytraumatized, and four patients had an open fracture. The mean age of patients was 51.7 years. Forty-eight patients had an adequate duration of clinical follow-up (a mean of 18 months) for analysis. Complications were recorded, and the time to union was measured. Shoulder and elbow functions were assessed using the Constant Score and the Morrey Score, respectively. Forty-six fractures healed, with a mean time to clinical union of 10.3 weeks. Two patients developed pseudarthroses. There were four adverse events: two proximal screws backed out, one superficial infection at the insertion point, and one fracture at the distal end of the nail. Ninety-one percentage of patients had an excellent or good shoulder function. Five further operations were necessary: two for treatment of pseudarthroses, two for removal the backed out proximal screws, and one wound debridement for superficial infection. Antegrade humeral nailing is a valid therapeutic option for stabilization of humeral shaft fractures. By strictly adhering to the operation technique, the number and the severity of complications can be reduced. When good fracture alignment and stability are obtained, uneventful bone healing with good functional results is the rule.     

Intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures

Summary Humeral shaft fractures can be treated either conservatively or operatively. Plating of the humerus is the established operative method, but recently interest has also been focussed on intramedullary nailing. Fifty-nine cases of humeral fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (Seidel/Marchetti-Vicenzi/Prévot) from January 1991 to December 1995 (44 fractures after trauma, 11 pathological fractures, 3 pseudarthroses, 1 re-fracture). Closed reduction in 55/59 cases. One infection (soft tissue); 2/48 pseudarthrosis (indication for nailing: pseudarthrosis!). No iatrogenic palsy of the radial nerve. Functional postoperative treatment in all 44 cases of humeral fractures after adequate trauma. One poor functional result: periarticular ossification after retrograde nailing, possibly connected with long-term respiratory treatment after trauma. Treatment of humeral shaft fractures by intramedullary nailing is favoured in our clinic (low complication rates, excellent or good functional results, limited approaches, small scars). Proximal fractures should be treated by the Seidel nail (stable interlocking of the proximal fragment); very distal fractures need Prévot nailing (reaming of condylar canals). All other fractures of the humeral shaft can be treated by each of the implants used in our clinic. Pathological fractures are an excellent indication for intramedullary stabilization. These patients benefit from stable fixation without intense surgical trauma. Pseudarthrosis, according to our limited experience, seems to require plating plus bone grafting. Plating is also recommended if revision of the radial nerve becomes necessary.      

Functional long-term outcome of the shoulder after antegrade intramedullary nailing in humeral diaphyseal fractures

Intramedullary nailing is one of the most commonly used surgical treatments for humeral diaphyseal fractures. Once an intramedullary fixation technique has been selected, the choice between antegrade or retrograde approach remains controversial. Forty patients with humeral diaphyseal fracture treated with Seidel antegrade intramedullary nailing through an "danterior deltoid incision" (ADI) were evaluated after an average period of 62 months. Clinical and functional evaluation of the shoulder was performed using the Constant Score. Results were excellent in 33 patients, good in 5 and acceptable in 2. Radiological assessment was performed using antero-posterior (AP) and latero-lateral (LL) radiographs of the humerus and AP and Neer radiographs of the shoulder. Radiographic findings demonstrated good consolidation of all fractures; nail and locking proximal screw malpositioning were detected in 2 cases (2 patients with acceptable results). The positive results obtained for shoulder function correlate with patient age and demonstrate that antegrade intramedullary nailing is a valid option for the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures, as long as it is performed through ADI access and with the appropriate surgical technique. Surgical technical errors will lead to functional problems of the shoulder, which in some cases will not be completely eliminated even after nail removal.     

两种方法治疗大龄儿童肱骨外科颈骨折的疗效比较

目的观察大龄儿童移位型肱骨外科颈骨折经闭合复位逆向弹性髓内针内固定以及克氏针内固定两种不同手术方法的临床疗效对比。 方法回顾性分析十堰市人民医院创伤骨科从2016年5月至2018年12月2.5年间符合纳入标准的手术内固定治疗的儿童及青少年移位型肱骨外科颈骨折45例患者，按照内固定方法分为两组：逆向弹性髓内针内固定23例(弹性髓内针组)；闭合复位克氏针内固定22例(克氏针组)。采用t检验或卡方检验分析骨折愈合时间，肩关节功能评分、并发症个数及优良率。 结果所有病例骨折均达到良好愈合，骨折愈合时间为(8.0±2.1)周。术后6周两组功能评分弹性髓内针组优于克氏针组(t＝5.295，P<0.05)；术后3个月功能评分无明显差异(P>0.05)。88.9%患者肩关节功能均达到了优良效果，两组优良率无明显差异(X²＝0，P>0.05)。弹性髓内针组有1例出现桡神经挫伤，2例出现弹性髓内针穿出；4例出现复位再丢失。但克氏针内固定组出现了克氏针松动、脱落4例；骨折复位丢失3例；无血管神经损伤并发症。 结论采用逆向弹性髓内针及克氏针内固定治疗儿童移位型肱骨外科颈骨折，都是微创、有效的治疗方法，值得临床推广运用。术者应选择熟悉的手术方法避免并发症。     

Retrograde fixation of fractures of the neck and shaft of the humerus with the 'Halder humeral nail'

The Halder humeral nail is a new intramedullary device designed for displaced two part humeral neck and shaft fractures. It is inserted retrograde from the olecranon fossa and a unique trio wire is inserted through the nail to provide good proximal fixation. This avoids the use of proximal screws and damage to the rotator cuff thereby ensuring good rotator cuff function.The results of 100 cases are presented. At 6 weeks, 95 patients could perform the majority of daily tasks. There were four non-unions, one following a deep infection.     

Results of treatment of displaced long bones fractures in children--comparison of different methods]

Authors compared functional results of treatment of 48 patients; 25 children with displaced supracondylar humeral fractures, 16 treated with skeletal traction (group I, mean age 7.9 year), 9 treated with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation (group II mean age 7.7 year), and 23 patients with displaced femoral shaft fractures, 10 treated with traction (group III, mean age 7.5 year), 13 treated with closed reduction and elastic intramedullary nailing. Good results after supracondylar humeral fractures were obtained in 37.5% of patients treated with traction and in 66.7% treated with percutaneous K-wire fixation, and after femoral fractures in 70% treated with traction and 84.6% treated with intramedullary nailing. The use of instrumental methods of treatment allowed to reduce significantly the duration of hospitalization (respectively: 19.8 vs. 6.4, and 28.5 vs. 9.5 days). In authors' opinion, a closed reduction secured by percutaneous K-wire fixation as well as a closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nailing are the methods of choice in treatment of discussed fractures in children.     

Intramedullary nailing of displaced four-part fractures of the proximal humerus

BackgroundIntramedullary nailing is already established technique for the treatment of two and three-part fractures of proximal humerus. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and functional outcome after treatment of four-part fractures of proximal humerus with Multiloc proximal humeral nail.Designprospective monocentric cohort study.Settingsingle level 1 traumacenter.Materials and MethodsFrom February 2011 to March 2016, 40 patients with displaced four-part proximal humeral fractures were treated with intramedullary nail inserted through anterolateral approach. Minimum one year follow up completed 35 patients and were involved into the study.ResultsAfter mean follow up period of 25.8 months 29 of 35 fractures healed. Average absolute Constant score in all 35 patients reached 57.7 points, relative side related Constants score 66.8% of contralateral extremity. Together there were 20 complications. in 6 cases (17%) developed complete avascular necrosis of the head. One deep infection was treated by implantation of antibiotic cement discs. Twelve secondary surgeries were performed, mostly for avascular necrosis development. Function and pain were significantly influenced by the quality of fracture reduction (p < 0.05) and development of complete AVN (p = 0.001). Group of 29 patients without AVN reached relative Constant score 73% of contralateral extremity.ConclusionsIntramedullary nailing can be used as possible fixation technique for the treatment of four-part fractures of proximal humerus. In experienced hands provides nailing osteosynthesis similar results as reconstruction with locking plates. Appropriate reduction of fracture fragments is the key for good functional result.Level of evidenceLevel 2b – monocentric prospective cohort study.     

肱骨干骨折顺行与逆行髓内针固定的病例 对照研究

目的：比较肱骨干骨折顺行与逆行髓内针固定的疗效。方法：入选1999年3月至2006年10月间有完整随访资料的肱骨干骨折105例,分为顺行髓内针组（A组）82例,逆行髓内针组（B组）23例。对两组的手术时间、术中出血量、并发症发生率、骨折愈合时间、骨折愈合率、Constant—Murley肩关节功能评分和Mayo肘关节功能评分等指标进行比较。结果：随访时间平均（31．2±20．9）个月。两组的手术时间、骨折愈合时间、愈合率及并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。B组术中出血量大于A组（P=0．002）。A组有4例（4．9％）不愈合,8例（9．8％）发生肩痛伴肩关节活动度减小,B组3例（13．0％）术中发生医源性骨折。A组肩关节功能评分低于B组（P=0．04）,肘关节功能评分两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：顺行与逆行髓内针固定均是治疗肱骨干骨折的有效方法,但逆行髓内针固定医源性骨折发生率较高,应正确选择和制备髓内针入点。顺行髓内针固定有较高的肩痛和肩关节活动度减小的并发症发生率,注意将髓内针尾埋于肩袖下方,细致保护和修复肩袖,术后进行合理的康复练习,有利于减少肩痛和改善肩关节功能。     

肱骨交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨骨折术后骨不连

目的介绍应用肱骨交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨骨折术后骨不连的经验。方法1997年10月～2001年7月,应用肱骨交锁髓内钉治疗12例肱骨骨折术后骨不连患者,其中肥大型5例,萎缩型2例,假关节形成5例。受伤至骨不连手术的时间平均为10．5个月(5～33个月)。手术采用开放复位顺行置入髓内钉,锁入远端交锁钉后向近端打拔以使断端加压,自体髂骨及RBX植骨。结果所有患者获平均21个月(9～51个月)随访。12例患者骨不连均获得愈合,平均愈合时间为5．8个月(3．5～8．0个月)。其中1例去除髓内钉后1年于原骨不连部位发生再骨折,重新植骨内固定而获得愈合。11例肩关节及上肢功能恢复良好。所有患者未遗留神经损伤症状。结论肱骨交锁髓内钉为治疗肱骨骨折术后骨不连的有效方法。     

A new approach for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures using the TRIGEN proximal humeral nail

The optimal surgical treatment for displaced proximal humeral fractures continues to be controversial. One of the new treatment options is the minimally invasive intramedullary nail. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of using the TRIGEN proximal humeral nail (PHN) for the treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. From January 2004 to December 2008, 64 elderly patients (age > 60 years old) with displaced proximal humeral fractures were treated using TRIGEN PHN. A complete 12-month postoperative follow-up was available for 54 patients. The study cohort included two-part (29 shoulders), three-part (22 shoulders), and four-part (3 shoulders) Neer classification fracture types. The Constant-Murley score was used to assess functional outcome. Radiological outcomes were evaluated, and all complications were recorded. All fractures were united. The Constant-Murley score data indicated that the patients experienced improvement from 6 to 12 months postoperatively. The mean absolute Constant-Murley score on the injured side increased from 71.2 ± 11.2 points at 6 months to 82.4 ± 16.4 points at 12 months (P = 0.01). The mean neck-shaft angle 1 year after surgery was 125° ± 8.1° (95°–140°). Secondary complications were minimal and observed in only 6 of 54 patients. In conclusion, the TRIGEN intramedullary humeral nail is effective for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures.     

Ergebnisse der Versorgung instabiler Oberarmkopffrakturen bei geriatrischen Patienten mit einem neuen winkelstabilen antegraden Marknagelsystem

Treating unstable proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients with osteoporosis and limited compliance is still demanding for trauma surgeons. The failure rate of operative treatment is high. We studied the use of a new antegrade intramedullary humeral nail with special locking bolts for head fixation. The first 41 procedures in 39 patients with a mean age of 81 years (61-102) were analyzed. Half of the patients were mentally deranged. There were 16 two-part, 22 three-part, and 3 four-part fractures of the humeral head treated. After closed or partial open reduction, antegrade nailing was performed via a delta split and limited incision of the rotator cuff. Greater and lesser tuberosities were fixed with screws through threaded holes of the proximal nail leading to high stability. Early functional active treatment was performed avoiding maximal rotation. Follow-up was 13 months (7-21 months). Clinical examination was performed in 32 cases. Four patients were questioned by phone. Three patients died (mean age: 92 years) before follow-up. The mean Constant score was 57+/-12. The mean age-related and side-related Constant scores were 86+/-17% and 90+/-7%. All fractures healed. Activities of daily life were possible in every case. There was only one loss of reduction after a fall out of bed. After hemiarthroplasty the patient was excluded from the study. One shaft fissure occurred during distal interlocking and healed uneventfully. Because of stable fixation, rehabilitation without immobilization was possible and led to good functional results. In comparison to common implants, the new antegrade intramedullary nail allowed a stable osteosynthesis in unstable proximal humeral fractures in old and very old patients with limited compliance without the usual implant-related complications.     

Closed locked intramedullary nailing. Its application to comminuted fractures of the femur

For many fractures of the femoral shaft, closed intramedullary nailing will not control rotation or telescoping of the fragments. Locked intramedullary nailing combines closed nailing with the percutaneous insertion of screws that interlock the bone and nail. This method permits static locking that controls rotation and telescoping and subsequently conversion to dynamic locking when weight-bearing is started after approximately twelve weeks. By providing greater stability, this method extends the indications for intramedullary nailing to severely comminuted, oblique, and spiral fractures as well as to fractures complicated by loss of bone and fractures in the proximal and distal ends of the femoral shaft. Of fifty-two patients with forty-nine severely comminuted fractures of the femoral shaft and three fractures that were complicated by loss of bone, forty-seven patients had uneventful consolidation of the fracture, with a mean time of 4.5 months for the severely comminuted fractures and seven months for the fractures that had a loss of bone. At follow-up, all forty-seven patients had normal motion of the hip, and forty-five had normal motion of the knee. Of the remaining five patients, four had a non-union that eventually healed (three after a second locked nailing and one after a third) and one had a septic non-union that eventually healed after removal of the nail and screws, débridement, and immobilization with an external fixator. Based on this experience, we concluded that this form of treatment has many advantages. The risk of infection and non-union is low, the incidence and severity of malunion are reduced, the hospital stay is short, and early mobilization of the patient is possible.     

Interlocking nailing with the Seidel nail in fractures of the humeral diaphysis in Paget's disease: a report on two cases

Three diaphyseal humeral fractures in two patients with polyostotic Paget's disease are presented. Two fractures were treated with closed intramedullary interlocking nailing using the Seidel nail, with good results.     

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.     

Arthroscopical Findings after Antegrade Nailing of a Proximal Humeral Fracture

Abstract Proximal humeral fractures represent up to five percent of all fractures in adults, commonly found in elderly patients. The final functional results after different operative procedures are among other factors dependent on whether or not a rotator cuff lesion is pre-existent, prior to the fracture, and how its surgical therapy is carried out. However, to what extent prior rotator cuff tears in this special patient group contribute to the functional outcome remains widely unclear. In our institution antegrade intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for proximal humeral fractures. One critical point of this technique is the unavoidable split of the rotator cuff on the approach to the proximal humerus and the insertion of the nail through the incised cuff. We report on a case of an impingement after antegrade intramedullary nailing of a proximal humeral fracture. Diagnostic glenohumeral arthroscopy revealed neither a residual lesion of the former rotator cuff incision nor a chondral lesion at the former insertion site of the nail. In the same session subacromial decompression and a nettoyage of adhesions were performed. We assume that splitting the rotator cuff for the insertion of an antegrade nail in a proximal humeral fracture is less relevant than previously assumed and described.