Internal Fixation of Proximal Humeral Fractures with a Polarus Nail

Keimyung Medical Journal 2011;30(1):74-80.

상완골 근위부 골절에서의 Polarus 금속정 내고정술

조철현; 손은석

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of our study is to evaluate the results and complications of internal fixation with Polarus nail in proximal humeral fractures. Materials and Methods : We evaluated clinical results; radiologic results and complications of 37 cases of the proximal humeral fractures who were treated with Polarus nail. According to Neer classification; there were two-part fracture in 24 and three-part fracture in 13. Bony union and neck-shaft angle was evaluated from the serial simple radiographs and the clinical outcomes were assessed according to UCLA scoring system. Results : Bony union have seen shown in 32 cases (86.5%) of total 37 cases and the mean union period was 13.7 (8-12) weeks. The clinical outcomes were 22 excellent; 6 good; 6 fair and 3 poor. Satisfactory outcomes were shown in 28 cases (75.7%). There were no statistically significant differences between several factors including age; sex; fracture classification; presence of segmental fracture; method of reduction and final clinical results (p > 0.05). Postoperative complications (35.1%) were 3 nonunions; 3 fixation failures; 2 varus malunions; 1 infection and 4 proximal screw loosening. Conclusion : Internal fixation with Polarus nail as a treatment of proximal humeral fractures showed satisfactory clinical outcomes. It can be considered as one of the treatment option in elderly patients or even in the presence of threepart fracture or segmental fracture.

Key Words: Intrameduallary fixation, Polarus nail, Proximal humeral fracture