Distally Cemented Modified Hackethal’s Technique in the Management of Humeral Shaft Fractures, Surgical Technique, and Preliminary Results

Discussion: This modification allows better and more control in terms of rotation and shortening, especially in comminuted fractures. It also eliminates the risk of pin migration and triceps irritation, with ability to mobilize the shoulder and elbow immediately postoperatively (postop) compared with prolonged immobilization by the classic technique. These factors lead to a better postop function of the elbow and shoulder in addition to a faster recovery and return to activity. To note, the cost of this procedure is very low compared with plate fixation and other IM techniques. This surgical technique is used in patients who are not candidates for conservative treatment, and whose health care plan does not financially cover the cost of plate osteosynthesis or intramedullary nailing. This modified technique is highly cost-efficient, and it emerges as a viable treatment option in selected cases in third world countries, where the luxury of using expensive orthopedic implants is not accessible for many patients.
Source: Techniques in Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Special Technical Articles Source Type: research