Non-operative treatment versus tension-band osteosynthesis in three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures - A retrospective study of 34 fracturesfrom two different trauma centers
T. Ilchmann et al., Non-operative treatment versus tension-band osteosynthesis in three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures - A retrospective study of 34 fracturesfrom two different trauma centers, INT ORTHOP, 22(5), 1998, pp. 316-320
Thirty-four patients with three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures f
rom two different trauma centres were studied retrospectively. Sixteen were
treated without osteosynthesis and compared with 18 patients treated with
tension-band fixation. Fracture classification and clinical examinations we
re made by the same persons in both groups. Most of the three-part fracture
s healed with good pain relief and good function in daily life but often wi
th a loss of motion. Four-part fractures often led to pain, loss of motion
and of functions. Conservative treatment seemed superior to tension-band fi
xation for three-part fractures. Four-part fractures healed with better fun
ction and range of motion after tension-band fixation.