Abstract
Eighteen patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated by internal fixation using the Polarus humeral nail since October, 2000 to March, 2005. Among the patients fourteen were available for follow-up (3 men and 11 women, aged from 68 to 91 years, mean 80.3 years). There were 2 2-part surgical neck fractures with impaction, 11 2-part surgical neck fractures without impaction, and 1 3-part surgical neck and greater tuberosity fracture, according to the Neer classification.
The mean range of motion was 113 degrees in flexion, 103 degrees in abduction, 28 degrees in external rotation at side, and typically L1 in internal rotation at the side. Bony union was confirmed radiographically in all but one patient, who underwent hemiarthroplasty because of varus deformity at 2 weeks after the first operation. The mean postoperative JOA score was 83.2 points (range 66 to 98 points).
The Polarus humeral nail was a useful option for the proximal 2- or 3-part humeral fractures in these aged patients with osteoporosis.
