• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefullness of polarus nailing in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures including 2 part, 3 part and proximal comminuted fractures. Materials and methods: Fifteen cases of proximal humerus fracture treated with Polarus nailing from March, 2002 to March, 2004 were selected. Man was 3 cases, and woman was 11 cases. There were one case of follow up loss due to decease. Average age was 60 years old (range, 23 to 84), and there were 6 cases of 2 part fracture, 3 cases of proximal segmental fracture, 5 cases of 3 part fracture. We analyzed the outcom results between 2 part fracture and 3 part fracture. The average follow up period after the operation was 1.5(range, 1 to 2) years. Range of motion (ROM), pain and functional outcome were evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS) and american shoulder and elbow surgery (ASES) activity of daily living (ADL) functional scoring system. Results: All cases showed union on radiologic evaluation, with 2.3 months follow up. In 5 cases of 3 part fracture, average union time was 1.9 months regardless of proximal screw loosening in 4 cases. In 2 part fracture union time was 2.2 months (P>0.05). VAS pain score was 1.3, ROM was $160^{\circ}$ in forward flexion, $40^{\circ}$ in external rotation, L3 level in internal rotation, and ASES, ADL functional score was 21 in 2 part fracture. VAS pain score was 1.25, ROM was $160^{\circ}$, $43^{\circ}$ and L1 level, and ASES, ADL functional score was 21 in 3 part fracture. There were no statistically significant difference between two groups (P>0.05) VAS pain score was 1.6, ROM was $170^{\circ}$, $47^{\circ}$ and L3 level, and ASES, ADL functional score was 23 in proximal comminuted fracture. Conclusion: Polarus nailing could be used as an effective modality in certain cases of proximal humeral fracture including 2 part, proximal segmental and in cases of 3 part fractures with large greater tuberosity fragment.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.91-95
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• 2015

Background: Our aim was to make a comparative analysis of radiological and clinical outcomes of using either one or two interlocking distal screws on a Polarus intramedullary nail for the internal fixation of humeral shaft fractures. Methods: From January 2008 to March 2014, we enrolled 26 patients with humeral shaft fractures who were operated on using intramedullary nails. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to how many interlocking distal screws were used to lock the Polarus nail: in group 1, a single interlocking distal screw was used in 12 patients; and in group 2, double interlocking distal screws, in 14 patients. We compared the degree of recovery of the displaced fracture fragments between the two groups. To compare the nonunion and shoulder function, we assessed each patient's modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgerns (ASES) score. Results: We found that 10 of 12 fractures achieved union in group 1, and 13 of 14 fractures, in group 2. We did not find a meaningful difference in the time to bone union between the two groups. The percentage of recovery of displaced fracture fragments until union was 66.9% for group 1 and 59.41% for group 2. At the final follow-up, we found that the scores for shoulder joint modified ASES was 78.7 for group 1 and 80.7 for group 2. Conclusions: Our results show that if locked appropriately, even a single screw on a Polarus nail can provide satisfactory radiological union and improved clinical outcome after intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.87-92
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• 2019

Background: This study was conducted to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of internal fixation using a Polarus humeral nail for treatment of a humeral shaft fracture according to fracture types. Methods: From 43 patients, 13 were excluded and 30 patients were included. The 30 patients were divided into 2 groups: 15 in group I (Orthopaedic Trauma Association/Arbeitsgemeinschaft $f{\ddot{u}}r$ Osteosynthesefragen classification type A and B) and 15 in group II (type C). The mean age was 63.1 years (range, 20-87 years), and mean follow-up period was 2.3 years (range, 1.0-6.1 years). The causes of injuries were as follows: 12, traffic accidents; 14, simple slips; 2, simple falls; 2, contusions after lower energy trauma. Radiological and clinical evaluations were performed. Results: Radiological union was confirmed by plain anteroposterior and lateral radiographs on average of 5.0 months in group I, and 8.4 months in group II, respectively. Differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). The clinical union value was 1.6 in group I, and 2.0 months in group II, but these values did not differ significantly (p=0.441). The mean Korean shoulder scoring system scores were 89.7 and 90.6, which did not differ significantly (p=0.352). Conclusions: Intramedullary nailing using the Polarus humeral nail is considered to be a good treatment modality for all types of humeral shaft fractures. Additionally, the Polarus humeral nail can be an optimal choice for the treatment of complex type fractures such as segmental or comminuted humeral shaft fractures.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.112-123
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• 2007

Purpose: Evaluate the clinical results of humerus neck nonunion treated with Polarus intramedullary nail. Materials and Methods: 8 patients who underwent surgery for nonunion of humerus surgical neck fracture were included. All patients were female, the average age was 65 years. 5 out the total 8 cases initially received surgery, open reduction and internal fixation with metal plate in 1 case, Ender nail insertion in 2 cases, external fixator in 1 case and closed reduction and percutaneous pinning in 1 case. The other 3 non union cases initial received conservative managemnent. The average period of nonunion was 9 months in the operated group and 6.2 months in the conservative group. All 8 cases received closed reduction with intrameedullary Polarus nail and auto iliac bone graft. Union was confirmed radiologically, and functional evaluation was done with the UCLA functional criteria. Results: All 8 cases showed union on radiologic evaluation. Average time to union was 3.5 months, average follow up period was 27 months. Average UCLA shoulder evaluation score was 7.6 points preoperatively which improved to 26.3 points after surgery. Active shoulder flexion was 40.7 degrees preoperatiely which increased to 104 degrees after surgery. Shoulder abduction improved from 32.9 degrees preoperatively to 96.3 degrees after surgery. UCLA functional criteria was good in 5 cases and fair in 3 cases, which no poor cases. Conclusion: Polarus IM nailing and AIBG is a useful method for treating nonunion of humerus neck fracture with improvement in union and function.