Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Jul 2012
Comparative StudyProximal humeral fracture fixation: locking plate construct ± intramedullary fibular allograft.
Locking plate constructs for proximal humeral fractures can fail due to varus collapse, especially in osteoporotic bone with medial cortex comminution. Augmentation, using a fibular allograft as an intramedullary bone peg, may strengthen fixation preventing varus collapse. This study investigated the ability of the augmented locking plate construct to withstand repetitive varus stresses relative to the nonaugmented construct. ⋯ Fibular allograft augmentation increased the ability of the locking plate to withstand repetitive varus loading. Clinically, this may assist proximal humeral fracture fixation in osteoporotic bone with medial cortex comminution.
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J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Jul 2012
Surgical treatment of proximal humeral fracture with external fixator.
The treatment of unstable displaced proximal humeral fractures remains challenging and controversial. Reports about the application of a mini-external fixator in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures are rare. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures by closed reduction and external fixation with application of a mini-external fixator. ⋯ The surgical treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures with a mini-external fixator is characterized by minimal invasion, a shorter duration of surgery, and easy manipulation, making application of the mini-external fixator a good option for some selected patients.