JESS acceptable treatment option for fixation of proximal humeral fractures in geriatric patients: study

Dr Supreeth  D R

JESS acceptable treatment option for fixation of proximal humeral fractures in geriatric patients: study

Written By : Dr Supreeth D R Published On 2025-11-03T20:30:24+05:30 | Updated On 3 Nov 2025 8:30 PM IST

There has been an increased interest in the external and percutaneous fixation of proximal humerus fractures. Numerous advantages of external fixation like less blood loss, ease of application, and rigid fixation provide a promising new avenue for the management of humeral fractures.

A retrospective case series by Siddhartha Sinha et al assessed the radiological and functional outcome of proximal humerus fractures treated with the Joshi External Stabilization system (JESS).

The records of patients more than 18 years of age with proximal humerus fractures who were operated with the JESS fixator were reviewed and a proforma based on each follow-up was filled by the investigators.

The key findings of the study were:

• A total of 28 patients met the inclusion criteria with an average age of 65.17 ± 13.1 years.

• The average age of the study group was 65.17 ± 13.1 years (range 22–82 years).

• 60.7%, (n = 17) were males and 39.3% (n = 11) were females, the right side was more injured (71.4%, n = 20) than the left side (28.6%, n = 8).

• The most common mode of injury was from fall on level ground (39.3%, n = 11) followed by road traffic accidents (28.6%, n = 8) other modes

of injury were also noted.

• Most of the patients were right dominant (75%, n = 21).

• Neers type 3 injuries were most common (38.3%, n = 11).

• All fractures united on 6-week follow-up.

• 75% (n = 21) reported good 25% (n = 7) excellent Constant scores at 24 weeks.

• The overall complication rate was 28.6%. Common complications were superficial pin tract infections and fixator loosening.

The authors concluded – “The Joshi External Stabilization System is an acceptable treatment option for orthopaedic surgeons for the fixation of proximal humeral fractures especially in geriatric patients. Like other external fixation devices, pin tract infection and pin loosening are inherent to the system but can be prevented by regular pin care and teaching the patient.”

MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS

Dr Supreeth D R (MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS) is a practicing orthopedician with interest in medical research and publishing articles. He completed MBBS from mysore medical college, dip ortho from Trivandrum medical college and sec. DNB from Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. He has expirence of 7years in the field of orthopedics. He has presented scientific papers & posters in various state, national and international conferences. His interest in writing articles lead the way to join medical dialogues. He can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.