The results of displaced three part fracture of the proximal humerus treated by retro grade nailing +/− cannulated cancellous screws for fixation of the greater tuberosity was analysed. Displaced three part fractures of the humerus are unstable and difficult to fix. Different methods of operative treatment available for this type of fracture are Kirschner wires, tension band wiring, hemiarthroplasty and open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws. The Halder Humeral Nail was introduced through the olecranon fossa into the head of the humerus, to stabilize the neck of humerus fracture. The displaced greater tuberosity was reduced with a minimal stab incision and fixed with cannulated screws. Compared to other open procedures the proximal exposure was minimal. 47 Patients with displaced three part proximal humeral fractures have been surgically treated since January 1995. 22 Were treated with proximal screws and 25 without proximal screw fixation. There were 32 females and 15 males. The average age was 67.68 years. Early passive movements were encouraged in the shoulder. Pain was relieved in almost all the patients. 41 Fractures united. 3 Patients had a malunion, 2 had humeral head collapse, and 1 developed AVN of the humeral head. The authors concluded that displaced three part proximal humeral fractures can be treated using the Halder Humeral Nail, and that this is a simple method of treatment which avoids major surgical exposures.
We review the results of the Gamma nail fixation to elucidate its effectiveness in the treatment of peritro-chanteric and subtrochanteric fractures of the neck of femur. We report the result of 718 cases of Gamma nail fixation in all such cases presenting at our institution since 1988. 573 cases of peritrochanteric and 145 cases of sub-trochanteric fractures were treated by means of standard and long Gamma nail. Age groups of the patients are from 33 to 99 years. No distal locking screw was used in cases of standard nails. All grades of surgeons were involved. Full weight bearing was allowed on the first post operative day. Cases were followed up for one year. No intraoperative iatrogenic fracture was encountered. Minimal post operative pain was experienced and mobility was regained early. All fractures healed satisfactorily except the following: 51 cases developed coxa vera deformity; 37 cases of undisplaced fractures of base of greater trochanter were noticed at 6 weeks follow up - all healed spontaneously; 1 case of external rotational deformity occurred in a long nail where no distal locking screw was used. 2 cases of deep infection were treated successfully by removal of nail and antibiotic treatment; 4 cases of fracture at the level of the distal end of the prosthesis, presented at 6 weeks to 2 year period following a subsequent trauma, were treated with exchange of device with long nail. Upward penetration of hip screw 22. No case of metal failure observed. Gamma nail provides a stable fixation in both simple and complex fractures of proximal femur with a much less invasive tehcnique which allows minimal disturbance of fracture haematoma, less incidence of wound infection and less amount of postoperative pain. Early mobility is regained with immediate and unrestricted weight bearing. Biomechanically also Gamma nail produces a better means of osteosynthesis.
