The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the technique of closed red
uction and percutaneous pinning of proximal humeral fractures and to determ
ine whether this technique provides enough stability to permit early active
range of motion and subsequent fracture healing. Fractures were classified
according to Neer et al and were included if the surgical or anatomic neck
were angulated greater than 45 degrees, separation between fragments was g
reater than 1 cm, or the greater tuberosity was displaced more than 0.5 cm.
There were 21 Type II, 16 Type III, and four Type IV fractures. Fractures
were pinned using distally threaded Dynamic Hip Screw(R) guide pins, 2-mm K
irschner wires, or 2.5-mm distally threaded Schantz(R) pins. Patients were
evaluated for union rates and motion. Assessment was made using the Modifie
d American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Form. Thirty-six patients with 37 fr
actures were available for review with followup averaging 40 months (range,
12-68 months). All patients with Neer Type IV fractures did not respond to
fixation and three had avascular necrosis develop, irrespective of the typ
e of pin used. In the remaining 33 patients with Neer Type II and Type III
fractures, a union rate of 94% was observed at an average of 2.6 months. Al
l patients had good functional results. In the current series, there were n
o failures using Schantz(R) pins. There was a 20% failure rate with Dynamic
Hip Screw(R) pins (2% if the patients with Type IV fractures were excluded
) and a 100% failure rate with Kirschner wires. Stable fixation with early
motion and subsequently good results can be obtained using percutaneous fix
ation in patients with Type II and Type III fractures; however, terminally
threaded pins must be used and smooth Kirschner wires must be avoided. Perc
utaneous fixation cannot be recommended in patients with Type IV fractures.