USE OF THE PFO(®) NUT IN TREATING FRACTURES OF THE PROXIMAL THIRD OF THE HUMERUS IN PATIENTS WITH BONE FRAGILITY

Objective: To evaluate the clinical results from application of the PFO(®) bone fixation nut, which was developed for use with 4.5 mm cortical screws, and to analyze any complications or bone reactions caused by this synthesis in porotic bone. Method: Between May 1999 and November 2007, the PFO(®) nut was used on 23 patients who underwent osteosynthesis with a PFS 80(®) plate in the proximal segment, to treat acute fractures, pseudarthrosis or defective consolidations. The average age of the patients was 69 years, and the average length of follow-up was 40 months. Results: Only one patient did not present consolidation. The complications observed were: two cases of medial cortical fracture; one case of loosening of the nut; three cases of bone reabsorption around the PFO(®), but two of these without clinical repercussions; and one case in which the fracture failed to consolidate, with consequent loosening of the fracture. Conclusion: The authors conclude that the use of the PFO(®) nut is a practical and effective alternative for osteosynthesis in patients with fractures of the proximal segment or sequelae from fractures of the humerus associated with bone fragility