Humeral Intramedullary Nailing Research Articles

Cementless Long-Stem Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty as Primary Treatment for Metadiaphyseal Humeral Shaft Fractures.

The use of cementless diaphysis-fitting stems has been shown to be an effective treatment option for cases of metadiaphyseal humeral fracture. Complex metadiaphyseal fractures are those that extend below the surgical neck into the diaphysis, which can compromise the metaphyseal fixation of typical arthroplasty designs. The presently described surgical technique circumvents the potential risks associated with the use of cement while also permitting the treatment of common concomitant pathologies, such as arthritis and rotator cuff tendinopathy. Evidence supports the efficacy of this technique, showcasing consistent rates of healing, pain relief, and functional recovery, as well as acceptable complication rates compared with alternative surgical options. The surgical procedure is performed with the patient in a modified beach chair position. A deltopectoral approach is utilized in order to expose the humerus and glenoid. In cases in which the tuberosity is fractured, it is carefully tagged for subsequent repair. The metadiaphyseal extension of the fracture is exposed, and reduction is performed with cerclage cable augmentation as needed. When direct reduction proves challenging, the humeral prosthesis is utilized to aid in reduction. Full-length humeral radiographs and a humeral sounder are utilized to guide the placement of a trial prosthesis, ensuring that the stem spans 2 canal diameters past the fracture and restores the appropriate humeral length. The medullary stem is utilized as support for fracture fragment reduction, with use of a combination of bone stitching and cerclage cables as required. Fractures with compromised proximal humeral bone stock can be further augmented with extramedullary strut allografts and cerclage cables. The allograft strut fixation acts as a neutralization plate to maintain rotational control. The joint is reduced, and fixation of the subscapularis and tuberosity is achieved with use of a transosseous suture technique. This technique combines the use of arthroplasty as well as standard osteosynthesis principles to treat complex metadiaphyseal humerus fractures. Nonoperative treatment may be indicated in a primary setting and represents a multifactorial patient-specific decision. Other surgical options include open reduction with internal fixation with plates or an intramedullary humeral nail, and cemented long-stem arthroplasty. If the fracture is too distal and the surgeon is unable to achieve a length of 2 canal diameters for distal fixation, alternative treatment strategies such as cementation may be required. This procedure is most often performed in elderly patients with osteoporosis, who often also have comminuted fracture patterns and conditions such as glenohumeral arthritis or chronic rotator cuff pathology1,5,6,13,15. Whereas open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) can be effective in younger patients, it poses higher risks of complications in patients with osteoporosis1,3,9,14-16. Neither ORIF nor intramedullary nailing addresses concurrent pathologies. Another alternative technique involves the use of a cemented stem; however, a cementless approach eliminates theoretical risks of cement use, allows easier revisions, and achieves comparable outcomes9,16,20. In summary, cementless long-stem RTSA offers consistent healing rates, satisfactory outcomes, and favorable results. Cementless long-stem reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a viable alternative for elderly patients with metadiaphyseal proximal humeral fractures. This technique shows consistent healing rates, pain relief, shoulder function restoration, and an acceptable complication rate. In a study of 14 patients who underwent cementless long-stem RTSA from September 2017 to August 2020, all patients showed improved outcomes and radiographic evidence of union at an average of 13 months postoperatively. Minor complications have been reported, such as transient neuropathy, tuberosity nonunion, and humeral stress shielding. This technique is optimal for elderly patients with osteoporotic bone, comminuted fractures, glenohumeral arthritis, and/or rotator cuff pathology.Long comminuted fractures require bridging fixation, spanning 2 canal diameters beyond the fracture site.Patients with compromised proximal humeral bone stock may require allograft strut augmentation.The surgical principle integrates standard arthroplasty for joint length restoration, a relative fracture stability concept by spanning complex fracture segments, and an absolute stability concept by direct fragment alignment. RTSA = reverse total shoulder arthroplastyIMN = intramedullary nailORIF = open reduction and internal fixationAVN = avascular necrosisAP = anteroposteriorCT = computed topographyTSA = total shoulder arthroplastyXR = plain radiographsFU = follow-upSST = simple shoulder testASES = American Shoulder and Elbow SurgeonsDASH = Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and HandPROM = patient-reported outcome measuresROM = range of motion.

Treatment of Distal Third Humeral Shaft Fracture with Intramedullary Nail Combined with Anterior Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis.

The treatment of distal third humeral shaft fracture is difficult. Studies have shown that anterior minimally invasive plate has lower probability of complication and higher healing rate. However there is no applicable anatomical plate at present. This study is to investigate the clinical effect of intramedullary nail combined with anterior minimally invasive plate in the treatment of distal humeral shaft fractures. The data of 83 patients with lower humerus shaft fracture treated from September 2015 to January 2020 were analyzed. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into two groups: 40 patients were treated with intramedullary nailing combined with minimally invasive anterior plate fixation (group A), and 43 patients were treated with double plate fixation through posterior approach (group B). General preoperative data, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, total incision length, fracture healing time, shoulder and elbow visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constant-Murley shoulder function score, Mayo elbow function score, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Two independent sample t-tests was used for follow-up, age, BMI, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, total incision length, fracture healing time, Constant-Murley score and Mayo score, and rank sum test was used for VAS score of shoulder and elbow. There was no significant difference in preoperative general data between the two groups (p > 0.05), indicating comparability. There were no significant differences in operation time, total incision length, fracture healing time, Constant-Murley shoulder function score at the last follow-up, Mayo elbow function score, and shoulder and elbow VAS pain score between 2 groups (p > 0.05). The amount of intraoperative blood loss in observation group was 76.98 ± 16.46, which was significantly less than that in control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). There were no radial nerve injury, musculocutaneous nerve injury, incision infection and fracture nonunion in the observation group. In the control group, four cases of iatrogenic radial nerve injury, three cases of incision infection and three cases of fracture nonunion were found. The complication rate was 23.3% (10/43). There was statistical difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (p < 0.01). A humeral intramedullary nail combined with an anterior minimally invasive plate in the treatment of distal humeral shaft fracture has the advantages of less soft tissue damage, less blood transfusion, high fracture healing rate and low risk of iatrogenic radial nerve injury, which is an effective method for clinical treatment of this type of fracture.

Removal of a Bent Humeral Intramedullary Nail: A Case Report and Review of Removal Techniques.

We present a case of a (65°) bent intramedullary nail (IMN) in a humerus after a pseudoarthrosis in a 65-year-old man. Bent IMNs have been described in femurs and tibias, but are considered rare. Possibly even rarer is the bending of a humeral IMN. This report provides an overview of removal techniques and our approach to this uncommon complication: open sectioning of the bent IMN and 2-piece extraction through the fracture site. Removal of a bent or broken IMN is a rare and challenging surgical problem. A bent humeral IMN requires a different and more careful approach for extraction than bent nails in the lower extremity, given the greater potential for neurovascular disruption.

Clinical outcomes of the intramedullary humerus nailing system in the treatment of humerus fractures

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: After femoral and tibia bone fractures, the humerus fracture is the third long bone fracture. The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the outcomes of treating humerus fractures with an KN-5H humerus nailing system. The fixation of humerus fracture especially shaft fractures from intramedullay humeral nail the clinical outcomes obtained from the retrospective study of humerus nailing system on humeral fracture is controversial feature in surgical technical research, follow-up factors, and implants.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;In this retrospective study of KN-5H humerus nailing system (KN-5H intramedullary cannulated humerus nail, KN-5H reconstruction nail, cannulated and KN-5H reconstruction cannulated intramedullary humerus nail) manufactured by the Kaulmed Pvt. Ltd. is used. The total 26 patients from which 11 males and 15 females between the age group of 18-70 years with humerus fracture were taken. Patients didn't received conservative management. The fractures were categorized based on AO classification and Neer type. Th post-operative clinical effectiveness was evaluated using the Radiological evaluation, VAS score and Functional ROM results.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The mean follow-up period was 15 months (range 13 to 24 months). The mean time of union was 14 weeks (range 10 to 18 weeks) in 26 patients. No non-union occurred in any patients. Functional end results of shoulder and elbow were excellent in 92.3% patients, moderate 5.75% patients and poor in 1.95% patients. Postoperative complications included one superficial infection, 3 patients had nail impingement complain, one patient has shoulder stiffness and had pain in adduction. No implant related complication was reported.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;The treatment of proximal and diaphysis humerus fracture is highly recommended using intramedullary humeral nailing due to lower post-operative complication with high union rate. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Impacto clínico en el hombro luego del uso de clavos endomedulares para tratamiento de fracturas diafisarias de húmero

BackgroundIntramedullary fixation is a frequently used option for the management of proximal and diaphyseal humeral fractures. The biomechanical advantages of this fixation method are known, in addition to the preservation of soft tissues and periosteal irrigation. However, in clinical practice, the postoperative follow-up reveals that some patients develop symptoms associated with shoulder pathology, such as subacromial pain, decreased flexion and abduction strength. MethodsA retrospective descriptive observational study was conducted, evaluating 25 adult patients with humeral shaft fractures treated with antegrade intramedullary nailing. Follow-up was performed 12 months after the procedure, assessing functional range of motion and DASH score, pain by visual analog scale (VAS) and subacromial impingement tests (Yocum, Neer, and Hawkins–Kennedy). ResultsAll patients achieved adequate antegrade flexion with a mean arc of 145° (±31), a DASH score with a mean of 6.1 (±8.5), and a VAS score of 2 (±2.6). 64% of the patients did not present any clinical sign of subacromial impingement. ConclusionWe conclude that in this group of patients, osteosynthesis with humeral intramedullary nails did not have a significant clinical impact on the shoulder in terms of range of motion and symptoms of impingement.

Development of an additively-manufactured functionally-graded expandable implant via the application of the adaptive response surface method: feasibility study on intramedullary humerus nail

The paper introduces the concept of the rational design of a deployable humeral intramedullary nail plug based on a honeycomb structure used for the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures. The concept serves for to restore the axial alignment of bone fragments and to maintain stability via bone-nail friction and locking screws. The design nail plug was gained by optimisation process the Latin Hypercube Sampling Design algorithm and Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm. It was shown that we can use statistical shape function combined by 3 D printing for designing of a new rationally designed implants.

Comparison of Humeral Intramedullary Nail Internal Locking System and Standard External Locking System

Comparison of Humeral Intramedullary Nail Internal Locking System and Standard External Locking System

Newer generation straight humeral nails allow faster bone healing and better functional outcome at mid-term

PurposeAlthough proximal and diaphyseal humerus fractures are frequent, the optimal management remains controversial. Antegrade nailing prevents further damage to the soft tissues and to the vascularization, but it has been associated with postoperative shoulder pain and dysfunction. During the latest years a straight nail design was developed to minimize these problems.MethodsA total of 243 patients who had undergone surgery for antegrade intramedullary humeral nailing between January 2013 and July 2018 in A. Gemelli Trauma Center were divided into two groups according to the nail design used: straight nail group (S-group) and curvilinear nail group (C-group). Clinical data were collected using assessment forms (SF12-v2, Quick-DASH, ASES and Constant-Murley). Radiographic bone healing was assessed with RUST score at 30, 90 and 180 days after surgery.ResultsThe S-group was made up of 128 patients with a mean age of 59 ± 19 (range 18–97) and a mean follow-up of 46 ± 9 months. The C-group was made up of 115 patients with a mean age of 53 ± 16 (range 18–88) and a mean follow-up of 51 ± 8 months. The S-group had a mental component summary (MCS) score of 54.3 ± 7.7 and a physical component summary (PCS) score of 46 ± 10.2, the C-group had a MCS score of 50.9 ± 8.4 and a PCS score of 44.1 ± 7.4. Quick-DASH and ASES were respectively 18.8 ± 4.3 and 78.6 ± 8.2 in the S-group, 28.3 ± 11.6 and 72.1 ± 13.5 in the C-group with statistical significance. Constant-Murley score was 73.9 ± 9.1 in the S-group (76% of the contralateral healthy side) and 69.4 ± 10.4 in the C-group (73% of the contralateral healthy side). The radiographic union score in the S-group was 4.1 ± 0.3 at 30 days after surgery, 7 ± 0.8 at 90 days and 10 ± 1.2 at 180 days, while in the C-group it was 4.2 ± 0.4 at 30 days, 6.4 ± 0.7 at 90 days and 9 ± 0.9 at 180 days.ConclusionNewer generation straight nails allow a faster bone healing and better functional outcome at mid-term follow up.Level of evidence III.

Does the presence of an ultrasound dot-like lesion of the rotator cuff affect outcomes after humeral intramedullary anterograde nailing?

article: Does the presence of an ultrasound dot-like lesion of the rotator cuff affect outcomes after humeral intramedullary anterograde nailing? - Minerva Orthopedics 2021 August;72(4):418-24 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Retraction Notice: Treatment of fractures of the proximal end and humeral shaft by locked intramedullary nailing in adults: Case series and literature review

Introduction: Intramedullary nailing is a good indication for stabilizing displaced fractures of the proximal end and shaft of the humerus in adults. Methods: This was a prospective series of 24 patient, over a period of 9 months. The aim of this study is to report the epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients treated with a locked humeral nail and to show the medium-term interest, of this therapeutic method, thus discussing the complications. Results: All patients had received intramedullary nailing of the humerus. The average age was 77.08 years. The female sex was more represented with 66.66% and the right side was frequently fractured with 83.33%. We distinguished 50% of cases involving the proximal end of the humerus, 45.87% of cases of the humeral shaft and one case of concomitant fracture of the proximal end and that of the humeral shaft. The postoperative infection rate is zero in our series and we reported 1 case of distal locking screw breakage, 1 case of iterative fracture on short Telegraph nail, 1 case of proximal screw retraction on long Telegraph nail and 1 case of perforation of the humeral head with a proximal locking screw. Conclusion: humeral intramedullary nailing is a good alternative in fixing proximal end and humeral shaft fractures without considerable complications or damages for the rotator cuff muscles.

Treatment of fractures of the proximal end and humeral shaft by locked intramedullary nailing in adults: Case series and literature review

Introduction: Intramedullary nailing is a good indication for stabilizing displaced fractures of the proximal end and shaft of the humerus in adults. Methods: This was a prospective series of 24 patient, over a period of 9 months. The aim of this study is to report the epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients treated with a locked humeral nail and to show the medium-term interest, of this therapeutic method, thus discussing the complications. Results: All patients had received intramedullary nailing of the humerus. The average age was 77.08 years. The female sex was more represented with 66.66% and the right side was frequently fractured with 83.33%. We distinguished 50% of cases involving the proximal end of the humerus, 45.87% of cases of the humeral shaft and one case of concomitant fracture of the proximal end and that of the humeral shaft. The postoperative infection rate is zero in our series and we reported 1 case of distal locking screw breakage, 1 case of iterative fracture on short Telegraph nail, 1 case of proximal screw retraction on long Telegraph nail and 1 case of perforation of the humeral head with a proximal locking screw. Conclusion: humeral intramedullary nailing is a good alternative in fixing proximal end and humeral shaft fractures without considerable complications or damages for the rotator cuff muscles.

Analysis of Anatomical Conformity of Straight Antegrade Humeral Intramedullary Nail in Korean

Analysis of Anatomical Conformity of Straight Antegrade Humeral Intramedullary Nail in Korean

Humeral intramedullary nail placement through the rotator interval: an anatomic and radiographic analysis

Antegrade humeral intramedullary nails are an effective fixation method for certain proximal humeral fractures and humeral shaft fractures. However, owing to potential rotator cuff damage during nail insertion, shoulder pain remains a common postoperative complaint. The purpose of this study was to provide quantitative data characterizing the anatomic and radiographic location of the rotator interval (RI) for an antegrade humeral intramedullary nail using a mini-deltopectoral approach. Six consecutive fresh-frozen intact cadaveric specimens (mean age, 69 ± 12.8 years) were obtained for our study. Demographic data were collected on each specimen. A mini-deltopectoral approach was used, followed by placement of a guidewire in the RI. Quantitative anatomic relationships were calculated using a fractional carbon fiber digital caliper. Radiographic measurements were performed by 2 orthopedic residents and 1 practicing fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. In addition to re-measurement of similar anatomic relationships on radiographs, the ratio of the distance from the lateral humeral edge to the starting point relative to the width of the humeral head on the anteroposterior (AP) view was calculated. Similarly, on the lateral view, the ratio of the distance from the anterior humeral edge to the starting point relative to the humeral head width was calculated. In all cases, the described approach allowed for preservation of the biceps tendon and access to the RI for guidewire insertion, with no subsequent rotator cuff or humeral articular cartilage damage identified following nail insertion. The ratio of the distance from the lateral humeral edge to the starting point relative to the humeral head width on the AP view was 0.4 ± 0.0. The ratio of the distance from the anterior humeral edge to the starting point relative to the humeral head width on the lateral view was 0.3 ± 0.0. This study demonstrates the clinical feasibility of a mini-deltopectoral approachand shows that the ideal starting point through the RI radiographically lies along the medial aspect of the lateral third of the humeral head on the AP viewand along the posterior aspect of the anterior third of the humeral head on the lateral view.

Anatomical Considerations of Intramedullary Humeral Nailing and Lengthening.

Intramedullary lengthening, in cases of extensive humeral shortening, offers the advantages of preventing external-fixator-associated problems. The humeral cavity, as the main parameter in nailing, however, has been neglected in recent literature. It was hypothesized that available implants might be too large and therefore increase the risk of intraoperative fractures. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the humeral canal and how it might affect the choice of implant and the surgical approach. Thirty humeri (15 female, 15 male) from clinical patients and anatomical specimens were studied. Specifically, the medullary cavity width (MCW), cortical thickness (CoT), and the course of the medullary canal were examined. The smallest MCW diameters were found at the distal third of the humeral shaft with mean diameters of 10.15 ± 1.96 mm. CoTs of female humeri were significantly smaller than those of male humeri (p < 0.001). The mean angles of the pro- and recurvatum were 4.01 ± 1.68° and 10.03 ± 2.25°, and the mean valgus bending was 3.37 ± 1.58°. Before implanting a straight lengthening nail into a doubly curved humerus, X-rays and, in selected cases, CT-scans should be performed. The unique size and course of the humeral canal favors an antegrade approach in cases of intramedullary lengthening.

Clinical treatment of humerus fracture using intramedullary humerus nailing system

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The clinical results of intramedullary humerus nailing system of humeral fracture is controversial variation in implants, and follow up factor and operative technical studies. Humerus fracture is the third long fracture after femoral and tibia bone fracture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; In this prospective study, 45 patients (24 female and 21 male) between the age group of 18-75 years with humerus fracture were taken who did not get conservative management. Type of fracture was categorized according to AO classification. Intramedullary humeral nailing system (compression intramedullary humerus nail, reconstruction nail and reconstruction intramedullary humerus nail) manufactured at Auxein Medical Pvt. Ltd., was used to treatment of humerus fracture. Patient physical fitness was observed according to American Society of Anesthesiologist. Pain scale and outcomes was record from the patients using visual analog scale. Follow up of the patients were taken on 3-week, 8-week, 16-week, 1-year and 2-year.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; At 2 years follow up, bone consolidation was present in 44 cases. Only one case has reported of mortality but that was not due to implant related. No clinical and biomechanical complications were reported. Proper healing of implant was achieved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Intramedullary humeral nailing system is the best treatment option to treat the humerus fracture. Compression intramedullary humerus nail can minimize the gap and increase the biomechanical stiffness.&lt;/p&gt;

Primary Versus Salvage Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Displaced Proximal Humerus Fractures in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BackgroundThere is currently no established consensus on best treatment for complex proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in the elderly. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a viable option in this population but many times is used as a salvage procedure.MethodsA systematic review of studies comparing RTSA as a primary treatment for PHF versus as a salvage procedure following failed open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), humeral intramedullary nailing, hemiarthroplasty (HA) or non-operative treatment was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Pooled outcomes and sub-group analyses assessing range of motion, patient reported outcomes and complications were examined using RevMan.ResultsFive articles were included in final analysis with 104 patients in the primary RTSA group and 147 in the salvage RTSA group compromising 251 total patients. Primary RTSA had a statistically significant advantage in range of motion (forward flexion and external rotation), patient reported outcomes, and complications compared to salvage RTSA.ConclusionsBased on the best available evidence, primary RTSA may result in slightly better patient reported outcomes, range of motion and a lower rate of complication when compared to salvage RTSA. Further high-quality prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings of the current review.

Biomechanical comparison of humeral nails with different distal locking mechanisms: Insafelock nails versus conventional locking nails

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical resistance to rotational and axial forces of a conventional locking nail with a newly designed intramedullary humeral nail developed for humeral shaft fractures with a secure locking mechanism through the distal part of the nail. MethodsInSafeLOCK humeral nail system (group 1, TST, Istanbul, Turkey) and Expert humeral nail system (group 2, DePuy Synthes, Bettlach, Switzerland) of the same size (9 × 300 mm) were examined. In total, 24 fourth-generation humerus sawbones were used in the experiment. Osteotomy was performed at the humerus shaft, and a defect was created by removing 1 cm of bone. After pre-loading 5000 cycles at a frequency of 2 Hz and a force of 50–250 N for axial loading and 5000 torsion torques between 0.5 Nm and 6.5 Nm at a 2 Hz frequency for torsional loading, the failure load values of each load were recorded. Distal interlocking was performed with an endopin in group 1, while a double cortex screw was used in group 2. ResultsAll samples successfully passed the cyclic loading. The initial and final stiffness values were similar between the groups after axial loading (p = 0.873 and p = 0.522, respectively). The mean axial failure load values in groups 1 and 2 were 2627 ± 164 N and 7141 ± 1491 N, respectively. A significant difference was found in the axial failure load values (p = 0.004). Significant differences were observed between the initial and final torsional stiffness between the two groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.004, respectively). No significant difference was found in the failure load values after torsional loading (11791 ± 2055 N.mm and 16997 ± 5440 N.mm) (p = 0.055). ConclusionThese results provide a biomechanical demonstration of the adequate stability of both nails after axial and rotational loading. The reliability of the newly developed InSafeLOCK humeral nail system, which does not require fluoroscopic control and an additional incision for distal locking, supports its use in the clinic.

Le clou huméral InSafeLock permet un positionnement sûr des vis de verrouillage proximale et distale: étude cadavérique

IntroductionEfforts to prevent iatrogenic neurovascular injuries with humeral intramedullary nailing lead to design new implants and inside to out distal locking technique using an endopin aims to provide a safer screw application. InSafeLock (TST, Istanbul, Turkey) humeral nail have been recently developed to minimize the possible screw related complications. The anatomical relationship between locking screws and neurovascular structures with the application time were compared between Trigen Humeral Nail (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, USA) and InSafeLock Humeral Nail. HypothesisInSafeLock humeral nail would be safer than Trigen Humeral nail in terms of neurovascular injury. Materials and MethodsSeven cadavers were used with both shoulders and surgical application of two nails was performed as the manufacturer guide. An Insafelock humeral nail was used for each right humerus and a Trigen humeral nail was used for each left humerus. Once the nails were placed, proximal and distal region of the nails were dissected to evaluate the relationship between screws and adjacent anatomical structures. The duration of the each screw was assessed via a stopwatch. ResultsNo significant finding was noted for the relationship between the neurovascular structures and proximal screws in two groups. (p<0.05) The distal locking of the InSafeLock humerus nail had a shorter application time and no neurovascular damage was recorded. DiscussionThe newly developed Insafelock humerus nails are at least as safe and effective as current humeral nails available on the market. Additional benefits include the preservation of neurovascular structures, as the Insafelock humerus nail does not require the use of an extra incision. Furthermore, surgical time is significantly shorter with using distal endopin. Level of studyIII, controlled laboratory study.

InSafeLock humeral nail provides a safe application for proximal and distal locking screws with distal endopin – An anatomical study

IntroductionEfforts to prevent iatrogenic neurovascular injuries with humeral intramedullary nailing lead to design new implants and inside to out distal locking technique using an endopin aims to provide a safer screw application. InSafeLock (TST, Istanbul, Turkey) humeral nail have been recently developed to minimize the possible screw related complications. The anatomical relationship between locking screws and neurovascular structures with the application time were compared between Trigen Humeral Nail (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, USA) and InSafeLock Humeral Nail. HypothesisInSafeLock humeral nail would be safer than Trigen Humeral nail in terms of neurovascular injury. Materials and methodsSeven cadavers were used with both shoulders and surgical application of two nails was performed as the manufacturer guide. An Insafelock humeral nail was used for each right humerus and a Trigen humeral nail was used for each left humerus. Once the nails were placed, proximal and distal region of the nails were dissected to evaluate the relationship between screws and adjacent anatomical structures. The duration of the each screw was assessed via a stopwatch. ResultsNo significant finding was noted for the relationship between the neurovascular structures and proximal screws in two groups (p<0.05). The distal locking of the InSafeLock humerus nail had a shorter application time and no neurovascular damage was recorded. DiscussionThe newly developed Insafelock humerus nails are at least as safe and effective as current humeral nails available on the market. Additional benefits include the preservation of neurovascular structures, as the Insafelock humerus nail does not require the use of an extra incision. Furthermore, surgical time is significantly shorter with using distal endopin. Level of studyIII, controlled laboratory study.

Displaced humeral surgical neck fractures: classification and results of third-generation percutaneous intramedullary nailing

The high rates of complications and reoperations observed with the early designs of first-generation (unlocked) and second-generation (bent design) humeral intramedullary nail (IMNs) have discouraged their use by most surgeons. The purpose of this study was to report the results of a third-generation (straight, locking, low-profile, tuberosity-based fixation) IMN, inserted through a percutaneous approach, for the treatment of displaced 2-part surgical neck fractures. We performed a retrospective review of 41 patients who underwent placement of a third-generation IMN to treat a displaced 2-part surgical neck fracture (AO/OTA type 11A3). The mean age at surgery was 57 years (range, 17-84 years). After percutaneous insertion through the humeral head, the IMN was used as a reduction tool. Static locking fixation was achieved after axial fracture compression ("back-slap" hammering technique). Patients were reviewed and underwent radiography with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up; the mean follow-up period was 26 months (range, 12-53 months). Preoperatively, 3 types of surgical neck fractures were observed: with valgus head deformity (Type A = 8 cases), shaft translation without head deformity (Type B = 19 cases), or with varus head deformity (Type C = 14 cases). At final follow-up, all fractures went on to union, and the mean humeral neck-shaft angle was 132° ± 5°. We observed 2 malunions and 1 case of partial humeral head avascular necrosis. No cases underwent screw migration or intra-articular penetration. At last review, mean active forward elevation was 146° (range, 90°-180°) and mean external rotation was 50° (range, 20°-80°). The mean Constant-Murley score and Subjective Shoulder Value were 71 (range, 43-95) and 80% (range, 50%-100%), respectively. Antegrade insertion of a third-generation IMN through a percutaneous approach provides a high rate of fracture healing, excellent clinical outcome scores, and a low rate of complications. No morbidity related to the passage of the nail through the supraspinatus muscle and the cartilage was observed. The proposed A, B, and C classification allows choosing the optimal entry point for intramedullary nailing.