Hawkins wiring for three-part fractures of the proximal humerus: A case series

Abstract

Three-part proximal humerus fractures in the elderly continue to be difficult to surgically treat. We evaluated the Hawkins wiring (HW) technique, which utilizes figure-of-eight tension band wiring, to treat three-part proximal humerus fractures involving the greater tuberosity. Currently, there is a paucity of data detailing patient outcomes and radiographic follow-up of this technique. The purpose of this case series is to evaluate patient reported outcomes and radiographic follow-up for fractures treated with this technique. Over two years, six patients at our institution underwent HW to treat three-part proximal humerus fractures. Average DASH and Oxford Shoulder scores (OSS) were 20.4 (range, 1–40) and 40 (range, 33–46) respectively. All patients had satisfactory return of function after surgery. Radiographic union was achieved in all six patients and there were no reported complications. HW technique is an efficacious treatment for three-part proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.