Tension Band Wiring as a Treatment of the Surgical Neck Fracture of the Humerus

Fractures of the upper end of the humerus are common and account for 4% to 5% of all fractures. They occur more frequently in older patients. In older patient the fracture often results from a minor fall and can be extremely disabling and their management often demands experienced surgical skill and judgement. Fortunately, in 80% of upper humeral fractures none of the four major segment is significantly displaced. These lesions are amenable to simple treatment by early function exercises. In 15% to 20% of upper humeral fractures one or more of the major segment is displaced. They are often unstable, may not be reduced by closed method. Many different methods of open reduction and internal fixation has been used and are still employed. These include wire loops, screw, staples, plates, intramedullary nail, but adequate internal fixation was not easily achieved due to the osteoporosis, displacement and shape of fragment. We treated 8 cases of surgical neck fractures by Rush pin and tension band wiring method. We consider this method as effective, simple and rigid fixation technique to attempt early exercise and to restore normal range of motion.