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Modified extra rotator-cuff entry point in antegrade humeral nailing

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Abstract

Introduction

We describe an extra-articular, extra-rotator cuff entry point for antegrade humeral nailing, which preserves the articular surface and rotator cuff integrity.

Material and methods

Thirty-two patients with humeral shaft fractures underwent antegrade intramedullary nailing using a modified insertion point located 1 cm below the crest of the greater tuberosity, in a region outside the articular surface and rotator cuff area.

Results

In all cases, nailing was done successfully, without any perforation of the humeral inner cortex by the nail. Extension of the fracture line to the distal metaphysis happened intraoperatively in one case of a distal diaphysis fracture. In the remainder of the patients, postoperative reduction of the fracture was successful, with no sign of an iatrogenic incident of fracture comminution. Excellent active shoulder function and full early functional recovery of the shoulder joint (to 16th week postoperatively) were established in 98% of the patients. All fractures were united in a mean period of 14 weeks.

Conclusion

We suggest an extra-articular, extra-rotator cuff entry point for antegrade humeral nailing as a possible and safe technique with beneficial results for the shoulder’s postoperative function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Patras University School of Medicine, Rio Patras, Greece

    Panayiotis Dimakopoulos, Andreas X. Papadopoulos, Michalis Papas, Andreas Panagopoulos & Elias Lambiris

  2. Orthopaedic Clinic, University Hospital of Patras, Papanikolaou 1, 26504, Rio Patras, Greece

    Andreas X. Papadopoulos

Authors
  1. Panayiotis Dimakopoulos
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  2. Andreas X. Papadopoulos
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  3. Michalis Papas
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  4. Andreas Panagopoulos
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  5. Elias Lambiris
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Correspondence to Andreas X. Papadopoulos.

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Dimakopoulos, P., Papadopoulos, A.X., Papas, M. et al. Modified extra rotator-cuff entry point in antegrade humeral nailing. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 125, 27–32 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-004-0757-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-004-0757-3

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