Fracture Osteosynthesis

Specialized management by Dr. Stéphane Vasseur

Indications

  • Displaced or unstable fractures of proximal humerus, clavicle, scapula
  • Tuberosity involvement, risk of nonunion

Related pathology: Shoulder fractures

Operative principle

Reduction and internal fixation with plates/screws or nails according to the fracture pattern, under radiographic control.

Postoperative course and rehabilitation

  • Immobilization varies 2–4 weeks depending on stability
  • Early supervised mobilization, strengthening at 6–8 weeks
  • Union 6–12 weeks

Risks

  • Delayed/nonunion, stiffness
  • Prominent hardware, infection (rare)

In practice

  • Hospitalization: 1–3 days depending on fracture and stability
  • Anesthesia: General ± regional
  • Immobilization: 2–4 weeks depending on fixation stability
  • Physiotherapy: Early mobilization then strengthening from 6–8 weeks