Intramedullary Cage Fixation for Proximal Humerus Fractures Has Low Reoperation Rates at 1 Year: Results of a Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES

To determine reoperation rates after treatment of a proximal humerus fracture with cage fixation.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Eleven U.S. hospitals.

PATIENTS: Fifty-two patients undergoing surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation of a proximal humerus fracture with a proximal humerus cage.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Reoperation rate at 1 year.

RESULTS

At a minimum follow-up of 1 year, reoperations occurred in 4/52 patients (7.7%). Avascular necrosis (2/41) occurred in 4.9% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Standard locked plating remains an imperfect solution for proximal humerus fractures. Proximal humerus cage fixation had low rates of revision surgery at 1 year. Proximal humerus cage fixation may offer reduced rates of complication and reoperation when compared with conventional locked plating for the management of proximal humerus fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.