Clinical outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures with proximal humerus locking plates

Abstract

Background and Objective: Proximal humerus fractures are one of the commonly encountered fractures in an orthopaedic setup comprising nearly 4% of all fractures. Achieving a stable fixation in three and four part fractures have always been a challenge. There is also a debate about the ideal method to treat such fractures. We undertook the present study to assess the functional outcome following proximal humerus fixation with proximal humerus locking plates. Methods: This is a prospective study of 30 cases of proximal humerus fractures operated by ORIF with Proximal humerus locking plate from January 2018 to May 2019 at Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Bengaluru. The cases were evaluated radiologically and functionally assessed using the Constant Murley score at the end of study. Results: In our case series of patients, majority were males, with RTA being the commonest mode of injury in young population and domestic fall being the most common mode of injury in elderly. All the fractures united with a good to excellent outcome in 76% of the patients. Malunions were the only complications and there were no incidences of screw perforation, AVN, plate impingement and infection. Conclusion:In conclusion locking compression plate is an advantageous implant in proximal humeral fractures due to angular stability, particularly in comminuted osteoporotic bones in elderly patients, thus allowing early mobilization.