Abstract

The majority of proximal humeral fractures may be managed with nonsurgical treatment. However, three-part displaced fractures require surgery with two goals: obtaining an anatomic reduction and providing enough stability to allow an early rehabilitation program. This article describes a simple technique of internal fixation with Kirschner wires that can be applied in fracture-dislocations and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus. A retrospective study of 29 consecutive cases of three-part fractures of the proximal humerus treated with this procedure is presented. Excellent or satisfactory results were achieved in 79.3% of cases using Neer's criteria at minimum 12 months follow-up. Eighteen patients (62.1%) had no pain or had only mild pain not interfering with daily activities. Twenty-four shoulders (75.9%) had more than 130 degrees active elevation, and 15 patients (51.7%) had at least 130 degrees active abduction. The complications were one avascular necrosis, one osteitis and one early loss of reduction that required a new operation. In conclusion we recommend this technique for operative treatment of three-part fractures of the humerus because of its simplicity and satisfactory results.