Rationale for Patient Selection
- 81-year-old, right-dominant female tripped over carpet and sustained a right medialized, valgus, 4-part fracture
Assessment of Injury
- Images show that the shaft is medialized and overlapping the glenoid. The humeral head is valgus impacted
External Fixator Placement
- Total operative time for placement: 45 minutes
- 9 days post-pin placement, images show good pin placement. The humeral head is at a better angle and the humeral shaft is aligned with the head. The greater and lesser tuberosities are in good position
Post-op Progress
Week 7: Images show good healing and alignment
Week 14: Images show good alignment and healing. The patient reports no pain, and forward flexion is 130°
Outcomes Achieved
- Good healing and alignment
- No signs of infection
- The patient reports no pain
- Good active range of motion; forward flexion 130°