Abstract
The proximal humerus is an uncommon location for children to fracture. Full functional recovery is common after closed treatment, even when anatomic reduction is not attained, due to rapid physeal growth and remodeling, and proximity to a universal joint. The older literature emphasizes complications of surgery and recommends closed treatment for all ages. More recent literature promotes anatomic reduction and internal fixation, particularly if little growth remains. The most commonly reported internal fixation techniques include percutaneous pinning, or intramedullary nailing, each with closed and possibly open reduction. There is currently little comparative literature or high quality evidence, leaving the surgeon and patient able to select from all options.
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Howard, A.W., Kenawey, M. (2015). Fracture Management in Children. In: Biberthaler, P., Kirchhoff, C., Waddell, J. (eds) Fractures of the Proximal Humerus. Strategies in Fracture Treatments. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20300-3_29
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20300-3_29
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