[Centro-medullary nailing in the complex fractures of the upper end of the humerus: preliminary results in 6 cases].

Antegrade intramedullary nailing has become the gold standard to treat two-, three-, and four-part cephalo-tuberosity fractures. We report a retrospective study of 6 patients who have undergone centro-medullary nailing since January 2012. Mean follow-up was 12 months; the average age was 57 years. Clinical evaluation was based on gross and weighted Constant and Murley score, based on the age and sex, compared to the "normal" body surface area. Radiological assessment allowed us to evaluate bone healing, the occurrence of osteonecrosis of femoral head or of post-traumatic arthrosis. Radiological examination focused even on the state of the tuberosities and on the existence or not of osteolysis of the greater tubercle of the humerus. It was also used to identify the criteria for good reduction, namely cephalic cap angle and diaphyseal axis (αF) in face views. All patients underwent the same surgical procedure. Constant and Murley score for all patients was 64.13 points. Weighted score based on age and sex was 73%. Joint mobility was estimated at an average of 116° for all patients in anterior elevation, 99.9° in lateral elevation, and 42° in external rotation. Average αF angle was 42°. All patients met criteria for good reduction, namely αF. Centro-medullary nailing allows simple and cost-effective bone synthesis with very promising functional results. Comminuted fractures and osteoporosis may limit these indications.