Surgical treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures with a technique of nail and osteosuture: "NOS".

Open reduction and internal fixation of complex proximal humeral fracture represents a surgical challenge. The main objective of this procedure is to anatomically reduce the tuberosities. We propose a standardized and reproducible technique that we apply to all complex displaced 3- and 4-part fractures of patients under 50 years. We use an antero-lateral trans-deltoid approach; the humeral head and the tuberosities are reduced under fluoroscopic control. The tuberosities are stabilized with an inter-tuberosity osteosuture, and we then introduce a thin and straight intra-medullary nail (Telegraph IV FH Orthopedics) at the hinge point of the humeral head. The osteosynthesis of the tuberosities is completed by 3- or 4-self-stable divergent screws in the nail. A dynamic distal locking stabilizes the humeral shaft in rotation and facilitates consolidation thanks to micro movements. The removal of the nail with an arthroscopic shoulder arthrolysis in case of stiffness is possible secondarily.

Surgical exploration of hand wounds in the emergency room: Preliminary study of 80 personal injury claims.

BACKGROUND: The SHAM Insurance Company in Lyon, France, estimated that inadequate hand wound exploration in the emergency room (ER) accounted for 10% of all ER-related personal injury claims in 2013. The objective of this study was to conduct a critical analysis of 80 claims that were related to hand wound management in the ER and led to compensation by SHAM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty claims filed between 2007 and 2010 were anonymised then included into the study. To be eligible, claims had to be filed with SHAM, related to the ER management of a hand wound in an adult, and closed at the time of the study. Claims related to surgery were excluded. For each claim, we recorded 104 items (e.g., epidemiology, treatments offered, and impact on social and occupational activities) and analysed. RESULTS: Of the 70 patients, 60% were manual workers. The advice of a surgeon was sought in 16% of cases. The most common wound sites were the thumb (33%) and index finger (17%). Among the missed lesions, most involved tendons (74%) or nerves (29%). Many patients had more than one reason for filing a claim. The main reasons were inadequate wound exploration (97%), stiffness (49%), and dysaesthesia (41%). One third of patients were unable to return to their previous job. Mean sick-leave duration was 148 days and mean time from discharge to best outcome was 4.19%. Most claims (79%) were settled directly with the insurance company, 16% after involvement of a public mediator, and 12% in court. The mean compensatory damages award was 4595Euros. CONCLUSION: Inadequate surgical exploration of hand wounds is common in the ER, carries a risk of lasting and sometimes severe residual impairment, and generates considerable societal costs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.