Abstract
Background: The percutaneous pinning technique (PPT) with multiple Kirschner wires (K-wires) is one of common surgical options in proximal humeral fractures. However, complications including pin migration and loss of reduction have been re-ported. We aimed to describe a novel technique employing modified percutaneous pin-ning with mutual linking for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, which may decrease such complications. Methods: 6 patients (5 female, 1male ; mean age 60.1 years) received close reduction and the modified percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation with mutual linking technique. All wires were removed about 6 weeks postoperatively followed by progressive reha-bilitation. We used following radiograph to evaluate bony union, wires migration, and fragment displacement. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using range of motion of af-fected glenohumeral joint, a 1-10 visual analog score (VAS), UCLA shoulder rating score (UCLA), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES). Outcomes were evaluated during the 2-month follow up and at the final follow up. Results: All cases were followed-up after an average of 12.6 months (range, 12-13.5 months). The mean of anterior forward flexion of the injured shoulder were 152.5 degrees (range, 145-160 degrees) during the 2-month follow up and 166.7 degrees (range, 150-180 degree) at the final follow up respectively. The means of the VAS, UCLA score, and the ASES of the injured shoulders were 0.3 (range, 0-1), 31.8 (range, 27-34), and 92.4 (range, 82-100) respectively. No wire migrations or fracture displacements were noted in our cases. There were also no deep infection, nonunion, implant failure, or avascular necrosis of the humeral head observed during the follow-ups. Conclusions:With this modified percutaneous Kirschner wire mutual linking technique, minimal invasive approach could be achieved and additional stability was provided by mutually linking the wires to reduce pin migration and fracture displacement in proximal humeral fracture.