Proximal humerus fracture–dislocation managed by mini-open reduction and percutaneous screw fixation

Background We describe a minimally open reduction and percutaneous fixation technique for three- and four-part proximal humeral fracture–dislocations which preserves soft tissues. Methods Eleven consecutive patients with three-and four-part proximal humeral fracture–dislocations (eight anterior, three posterior dislocations) were treated this way. The dislocation is reduced using a mini-open deltopectoral approach with a horizontal split in subscapularis. Fracture fragments are fixed with percutaneous screws. Constant and Oxford Shoulder Score were collected prospectively. Results Mean age was 51 years (range 32–65). Mean follow-up was 36 months (range 24–72 months). At last follow-up mean Constant score was 75 (range 64–86) compared to 88 (range 85–92) for the uninjured shoulder. Mean Oxford shoulder score was 41 (range 34–46). One patient developed avascular necrosis. Screw back out was seen in three patients. These were removed under local anaesthesia. There were no screw penetrations of articular surface. One patient suffered a radial nerve neuropraxia which resolved. Conclusion These results are promising and comparable to published literature with other means of fixation for this complex problem. Due to minimal soft tissue dissection the complications rate is low.