Fractures and slipped epiphyses of the proximal humerus in children. Place and methods of surgical treatment
Guibert, L.; Allouis, M.; Bourdelat, D.; Catier, P.; Bracq, H.; Babut, J.M.
Chirurgie Pediatrique 24(3): 197-200
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0180-5738 PMID: 6627539 Document Number: 212212
Fractures and Epiphyseal separations of the proximal humerus are usually non-operatively treated with a generally good result. However, sometimes, a surgical treatment may be required. Twenty fractures of the proximal humerus occurring in children were treated operatively. From these 20 cases, the authors precise the indications and the ways of surgical treatment in this type of lesion. They insist upon the value of the angulation on the lateral radiograph of the shoulder which, if important, may often signify an interposition of the tendon of the long head of the biceps between the fracture fragments causing irreductibility; they propose a classification of the fractures referring to this angle. Considering surgical procedure, delto-pectoral approach is the most commonly used, although axillary way is more esthaetic. Kirschner wires and screws are the best means of synthesis. Anyway, this surgical treatment has to remain exceptional.