Minimally Invasive J-nailing Technique for Treating Proximal Humerus Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Case Series
Abind Josephchandran, Dilip K Naidu, Gowthaman Nambiraj, Sabari Vaasan Lakshmikanthan, Rishab Chandraprakash
Keywords :
Case series, Clinical outcomes, Elderly, J-nail, Older, Proximal humerus, Shoulder range of motion, University of California at Los Angeles
Citation Information :
Josephchandran A, Naidu DK, Nambiraj G, Lakshmikanthan SV, Chandraprakash R. Minimally Invasive J-nailing Technique for Treating Proximal Humerus Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Case Series. J Orth Joint Surg 2025; 7 (1):98-103.
Introduction: This prospective case series addresses the challenge posed by fractures of the proximal humerus in older adults due to challenging bone quality, focusing on the minimally invasive J-nailing technique for Neer's two-part and three-part type fractures of the proximal humerus.
Materials and methods: The study lasted from April 2022 to May 2024, involved 14 patients, and assessed clinical and radiological outcomes. Precision in surgical procedures yielded positive postoperative results, including improved shoulder mobility. Correlation analyses showed no significant relationship between fracture types, union times, or University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores.
Outcome: While unique complications were observed, the overall positive outcomes support the efficacy of J-nailing in managing proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. This underscores the need for continued research and optimized surgical approaches. In conclusion, tailored surgical interventions, particularly J-nailing, are effective, highlighting the significance of personalized approaches for optimal outcomes in managing these fractures.
Alberio RL, Del Re M, Grassi FA. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fractures: a retrospective study describing principles and advantages of the technique. Adv Orthop 2018;2018:5904028. DOI: 10.1155/2018/5904028
Tathe PV, Sakharkar N, Ingale AB. Minimally invasive osteosynthesis in elderly osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures using J-nailing technique. Int J Recent SurgMed Sci 2023;9(1):45–52. DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744182
Maurer E, Bahrs C, Kühle L, et al. Comparability of patient-reported outcome measures and clinical assessment tools for shoulder function in patients with proximal humeral fracture. Z Orthop Unfall 2021;159(6):638–648. DOI: 10.1055/a-1200-2797
Calvo E, Morcillo D, Foruria AM, et al. Nondisplaced proximal humeral fractures: high incidence among outpatient-treated osteoporotic fractures and severe impact on upper extremity function and patient subjective health perception. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2011;20(5):795–801. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.09.008
Khan SM, Sheikh S, Saheb SH. A clinical study of management of proximal humeral fractures in adults. Int J Res Med Sci 2014;2(2):422–428. DOI: 10.5455/2320-6012.ijrms20140509
Okike K, Lee OC, Makanji H, et al. Factors associated with the decision for operative versus non-operative treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. Injury 2013;44(4):448–455. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2012.09.002
Handoll HH, Keding A, Corbacho B, et al. Five-year follow-up results of the PROFHER trial comparing operative and non-operative treatment of adults with a displaced fracture of the proximal humerus. Bone Joint J 2017;99-B(3):383–392. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.99B3.BJJ-2016-1028
Handoll HH, Brorson S. Interventions for treating proximal humeral fractures in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000434.pub4
Resch H, Beck E, Bayley I. Reconstruction of the valgus-impacted humeral head fracture. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 1995;4(2):73–80. DOI: 10.1016/s1058-2746(05)80071-1
Jaberg H, Warner JJ, Jakob RP. Percutaneous stabilization of unstable fractures of the humerus. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1992;74(4):508–515.
Jakob RP, Miniaci A, Anson PS, et al. Four-part valgus impacted fractures of the proximal humerus. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1991;73(2):295–298. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.73B2.2005159
Zhao L, Qi YM, Yang L, et al. Comparison of the effects of proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) alone and PHILOS combined with fibular allograft in the treatment of neer three- or four-part proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. Orthop Surg 2019;11(6):1003–1012. DOI: 10.1111/os.12564
Hengg C, Nijs S, Klopfer T, et al. Cement augmentation of the proximal humerus internal locking system in elderly patients: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2019;139(7):927–942. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-019-03142-6
Wall B, Walch G. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Hand Clin 2007;23(4):425–430. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2007.08.002
Schai P, Imhoff A, Preiss S. Comminuted humeral head fractures: a multicenter analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 1995;4(5):319–330. DOI: 10.1016/s1058-2746(95)80015-8
Gerber C, Hersche O, Berberat C. The clinical relevance of posttraumatic avascular necrosis of the humeral head. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 1998;7(6):586–590. DOI: 10.1016/s1058-2746(98)90005-2
Chalmers PN, Keener JD. Expanding roles for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2016;9(1):40–48. DOI: 10.1007/s12178-016-9316-0
Garrigues GE, Johnston PS, Pepe MD, et al. Hemiarthroplasty versus reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for acute proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients. Orthopedics 2012;35(5):e703–e708. DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20120426-25
Tepass A, Rolauffs B, Weise K, et al. Complication rates and outcomes stratified by treatment modalities in proximal humeral fractures: a systematic literature review from 1970–2009. Patient Saf Surg 2013;7:34. DOI: 10.1186/1754-9493-7-34
Chen H, Cui X, Rui Y, et al. Indirect reduction and strut support of proximal humerus fractures using a titanium mesh in elderly patients: a novel technique. J Orthop Trauma 2020;34(4):e142–e147. DOI: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000001699
Launonen AP, Lepola V, Flinkkilä T, et al. Treatment of proximal humerus fractures in the elderly: a systematic review of 409 patients. Acta Orthop 2015;86(3):280–285. DOI: 10.3109/17453674.2014.999299
Vachtsevanos L, Hayden L, Desai AS, et al. Management of proximal humerus fractures in adults. World J Orthop 2014;5(5):685–693. DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v5.i5.685
Khmelnitskaya E, Lamont LE, Taylor SA, et al. Evaluation and management of proximal humerus fractures. Adv Orthop 2012;2012:861598. DOI: 10.1155/2012/861598
Takeuchi R, Koshino T, Nakazawa A, et al. Minimally invasive fixation for unstable two-part proximal humeral fractures: surgical techniques and clinical results using J-nails. J Orthop Trauma 2002;16(6):403–408. DOI: 10.1097/00005131-200207000-00006