Application of the Targon PH Long Nail in Storey Fracturesand Metaphyseal Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

Overview

Storey and proximal metadiaphyseal humeral fractures are serious injuries , affecting patients of all age cathegories, however, elderlypatients are affected more often. Conservative treatment results in a long-term immobilisation of the extremity, restricts ventilation andreduces the comfort. Former implants did not meet requirements for a stable osteosynthesis and hampered early rehabilitation. The TargonPH long nail (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, SRN) combines advantages of intramedullary fixation within the whole length of the medullarycavity with the use of angle-stable screws in the proximal fixation storey, which extends chances for a reliable osteosynthesis also to theproximal fifth of the humerus. The procedure’s prons include the miniinvasive character of the procedure and the possibility of adequateearly rehabilitation. The authors assess a patient group of 23 subjects, including 14 females and 9 males, operated in the Traumacentrumof the Liberec Regional Hospital from January 2004 to December 2005. The final functional results assessment could be performedin 20 patients (87%), 13 females and 3 males, aged 65.3 years, on average. The minimal follow-up period lasted 12 months and the resultwas evaluated using the Constant-Murley score.

Key words:
intramedullary pinning – Targon PH long – metaphyseal fractures – storey fractures