The parachute technique: valgus impaction osteotomy for two-part fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus.

Fourteen elderly patients with a two-part fracture, in osteopenic bone, of the surgical neck of the humerus were treated with a valgus impaction osteotomy and tension band fixation--that is, the parachute technique. Thirteen patients were followed, and all were able to perform activities of daily living without difficulty and were satisfied with the result of the surgery. The average age of these thirteen patients was sixty-eight years, and the average duration of follow-up was 18.5 months. Union was achieved in all patients, at an average of 45.5 days. No patient demonstrated osteonecrosis of the humeral head. This technique of valgus impaction osteotomy with Dacron-tape tension band fixation leads to rapid union. Patient satisfaction and function were excellent.