A new technique of closed intramedullary nailing in fractures of the proximal humerus with varus deformity

Abstract

Introduction. Varus displacement is common in fractures of the proximal humerus. Development of new low invasive surgical modalities providing anatomy restoration and non-traumatic fracture fixation is actual. Purpose of the study was development of the low invasive technique of closed interlocking nailing providing reduction of the typical varus displacement in fractures and posttraumatic deformities of the proximal humerus. Material and methods. A new technique of correction of the proximal humerus in fractures and posttraumatic deformities was applied in 12 patients - 7 with two-part fractures and 5 with posttraumatic varus deformities. The surgical technique includes application of a small wire circular external frame. Its proximal part is secured to the humeral head to reduce varus displacement along with connection to the distal part of the frame, and the reached alignment is fixed by an intramedullary nail. Results. In all 12 cases we succeeded to reduce the varus deformity. At 1 year follow-up healing was reached in 11 patients, and in one patient exchange compression nailing was performed. Constant score in 1 year was 76±17 after fracture treament, and 70±16 in posttraumatic deformities, which corresponeded to good results. Conclusion. The presented technique allows to reach 40-50° angular correction without open approach and significant soft tissue damage. The obtained results confirm efficacy of the new technique and pertinence of its use in patients with fractures and posttraumatic deformities of this localization. The introduced technique of closed nailing appears to be a promising approach in reconstructive surgery of the proximal humerus.