Evaluation of functional outcomes of a modified technique for percutaneous pinning of proximal humeus fracture

Author(s): Dr. Rajeev Y Kelkar and Dr. Anuj Mundra

Abstract: Introduction: Proximal humeral fractures are extremely common injuries, and are one of the true osteoporotic fractures. For those that have moderate to severe displacement, the optimal treatment for the patient has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of a modification of percutaneous K-wire fixation technique.
Material and methods: A prospective study was performed on all patients diagnosed with intra-articular proximal humerus fracture presenting to us from June 2013 to June 2016. Only patients with closed, displaced two or three part fractures as per Neer’s classification were included in the study. Fractures were managed by close reduction and percutaneous pinning with K wires which were linked by a fixator rod using clamps. Patients were evaluated for functional outcome using the Constant score.
Results: Twenty seven patients comprising of 18 females and 9 males were followed for an average period of 14 months. Mean age of the patients was 56 years. Fall while walking was the most common mode of injury followed. Mean Constant Score of patients was 77.2. All patients achieved full functional range of motion by the end of 4 months. No nerve injury was reported.
Conclusion: Modified technique for percutaneous Kwire fixation using the fixator mini clamps and rods is an effective and economical method allowing biological preservation with good results.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2018.v4.i2b.18