A new internal fixation technique for fractures of the proximal humerus—the Bilboquet device: A report on 26 cases

• Published in: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Vol. 9; no. 4; pp. 279 - 288
• Main Authors: Doursounian, Levon, Grimberg, Jean, Cazeau, Cyrille, Jos, Emmanuel, Touzard, Rene Claude
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01.07.2000
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods; Fractures, Closed - surgery; Humans; Humeral Fractures - surgery; Internal Fixators; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Prostheses and Implants; Prosthesis Implantation - methods; Retrospective Studies; Titanium; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1058-2746; 1532-6500
• DOI: 10.1067/mse.2000.106086

We describe a novel internal fixation device and report on 26 patients (mean age, 70 years) whose proximal humeral fractures were managed with this technique. The 2-part titanium implant consists of a circular staple impacted into the humeral head cancellous bone and a spigoted diaphyseal stem that inserts into the staple “cup.” Of the 26 cases reviewed, 16 had 3-part fractures and 10 had 4-part fractures. Mean follow-up was 25.9 months. In the 16 3-part fractures, the mean active forward elevation was 114° and the results were as follows: excellent, 7; good, 5; fair, 3; poor, 1. In the 10 4-part fracture patients, the mean active forward elevation was 101° and the results were as follows: excellent, 2; good, 4; fair, 3; poor, 1. There were 5 cases of avascular necrosis and 1 case of tuberosity nonunion. Only 2 cases needed conversion to hemiarthroplasty. The new technique should simplify the surgery of these fractures and reduce the need for arthroplasty.(J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2000;9:279-88.)