Functional results of displaced proximal humerus fractures in children treated by elastic stable intramedullary nail

Displaced proximal humerus fractures within the pediatric population can be treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). The main objective of our study is to evaluate functional outcome of the displaced proximal humeral fractures treated by ESIN within the pediatric group using a standardized evaluation scale. The secondary goal is to compare functional outcome of epiphyseal and metaphyseal injuries and functional outcome of children younger and older than 10 years of age.

From March 2010 to December 2011, 27 children had been treated surgically using ESIN for displaced fractures at the proximal extremity of the humerus. These fractures were displaced and closed without neurovascular insult. Patients were followed radiographically and clinically on a regular basis. After hardware removal, the functional outcomes had been homogeneously assessed by using the French edition of the QuickDash^® evaluation scale. The descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval have been realized.

We included 27 children who were operated on consecutively (10 boys, 17 girls). The mean age at the time of operation is 11.2 ± 2.7 years (range 7.1–15.9). The mean angulation is 55.9° ± 20.3° (range 20–90). The mean apposition is 52.8 % ± 33.1 (range 10–100). The mean follow-up period is 15.2 ± 5.6 months (range 6.1–28.5). Results were considered good for children between 7.1 and 15.9 years old with epiphyseal and meataphyseal fractures. The mean QuickDash^® score is 2.0 (range 0–6.5), with 14 cases showing a score of 0 (58.3 %), 2 cases with 4.3 (8.3 %), 4 cases with 4.5 (16.7 %), and 4 cases with a score of 6.5 (16.7 %). Ranges of movement were preserved. The patients regained their daily and sportive activity over the time without pain or discomfort.

Our study showed a good outcome of functional results within a pediatric population who had a sustained displaced proximal humeral fracture and treated by ESIN. Using a standardized evaluation scale is recommended in order to be able to evaluate the patients in a homogeneous manner.