The results of internal fixation of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures with the Polarus nail

Twenty-three patients with acute displaced three- and four-part fractures o f the proximal humerus, including seven patients with associated shaft invo lvement. were treated with the Polarus intramedullary interlocking nail usi ng a closed technique. At the 1-year Follow up, the median Neer scores were 89 and 60 for the thre e- and four-part fractures, respectively. Three patients (13%), all of whom were in the four-part group, continued to have significant pain at final review. We found the implant to be extremely satisfactory and particularly useful i n the treatment of combined neck and shaft Fractures of the humerus. (C) 20 01 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.