Humerus Block
The Humerus Block is indicated for the treatment of subcapital and intraarticular proximal humeral fractures. The Humerus Block consists of two K-wires and the actual block for the fixation of K-wires at the humeral shaft. In a half open procedure the Humerus Block is inserted through a small incision at the onset of the M.deltoideus. An open procedure is also possible. Through fixation of the K-wires in the block and the cortex rotational stability is achieved and a collapse of the head prevented. Controlled gliding and positioning of the head fragment to the shaft enable fast healing. The Humerus Block was tested in over 100 clinical cases and showed excellent results.
Humerusblock study
The Humerusblock was made available to a selection of surgeons in November 2000 as part of a documentation series. The aim of this documentation series was to record the results of first applications with the new implant.
In the context of this series 16 cases were documented. The fractures included 7 subcapital humerus fractures, 6 subcapital humerus fractures with additional fracture of the greater tubercle and three 4-fragment fractures. A closed surgical procedure was performed in all cases. The surgeons generally made use of K-wires with a diameter of 2.2 mm and no thread. The use of additional screws was necessary in 8 cases.
Follow-up assessment was carried out in 14 of the 16 cases. In 13 cases fracture consolidation was described by the treating physician; in one case delayed healing was suspected. Slight impaction was observed in four cases and more severe impaction in two cases. Impaction can be regarded as a desirable event. In relation to the implant, the K-wires act as a sort of splint so that impaction occurs in a controlled manner. Dislocation of the humeral head was not observed in any case. In 11 patients, the K-wires perforated the articular surface; this occurred 6 times intraoperatively and 5 times postoperatively. Primary and secondary perforation of the K-wires through the articular surface indicates that the K-wires need to be placed in the immediate subchondral region in porotic bone if they are to find sufficient anchorage. Therefore, implant removal after fracture healing or prior to mobilization is necessary; the surgeon may possibly have to withdraw some of the K-wires slightly early on. The following complications occurred during the healing process: local wound irritation above the implant (2 cases; due to incorrectly clipped K-wires) and skin perforation by a K-wire (1 case). In one case, reduction of the greater tubercle was lost in a 4-fragment fracture; reoperation to stabilize the fragment was necessary. There was probably delayed union in one case of a 76-year-old patient. Infections and / or nerve lesions were not observed in any case.
In contrast to conventional K-wire osteosynthesis, the Humerusblock permitted the surgeons to perform adequate stable fixation of proximal humerus fractures. Compared with fracture treatment by plate osteosynthesis, this procedure is far less invasive with maximal conservation of the fracture fragments residual vascularity. The conclusions that can be drawn from this series are limited by the small number of patients included (n=16) and followed up (n=14). It can be stated that it proved of value in all the participating centers and that with further application a set of suitable indications will no doubt emerge.
62 year old female patient
Fig 1
Accident
Fig 2
postoperative
Fig 3
Fracture healed
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