Functional outcome of proximal humerus fracture fixation in elderly managed with percutaneous k wire fixation: Observation study of 28 patients

Abstract

Introduction: Proximal humerus fracture represents the second most common fracture in upper extremity in elderly. Percutaneous fixation has reported to have good functional outcome and has lesser complications rate. In our study we have tried to observe the functional outcome and complication rates of percutaneous fixation for proximal humerus fracture in elderly with Neer type I, II & III. Aim: This study aimed to observe the functional outcome and complication rates of percutaneous fixation for proximal humerus fracture in elderly with Neer type I, II & III. Materials and Methods:This study included 28 patients aged between 55 to 80 years having proximal humerus fracture Neer Type I, II and III presenting to our institute between June 2021 and September 2022. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiological evaluation was done in the form of Xray and CT scan. All patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were managed with percutaneous K-wire fixation. Postoperative check Xray was done and physiotherapy was advised. Patient were followed up for minimum 10 months and evaluated for radiological union and function outcome using the DASH score. Results: All patients had radiological union in mean 8.2 months. DASH core was used to evaluate shoulder function. DASH score was excellent in 20 patients and was good in 6 patients while it was fair in 2 patients. Out of 28 patients 22 patients did not have any major complications 7 had k wire backout, 2 patients had entry point infection and 1 patient had K-wire migration. Conclusion: K wire fixation of proximal humerus fracture in elderly with Neer type I, II and III, gives a good radiological and functional outcome comparable with other modalities of treatment with low complication rate.