Surgical management of proximal humeral fractures by locking plates

Abstract

A humerus fracture is a break of the humerus bone in the upper arm. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and bruising. There may be a decreased ability to move the arm and the person may present holding there elbow. Complications may include injury to an artery or nerve, and compartment syndrome.Objective: To study the efficacy, functional outcome for union of the fracture following surgery with locking plates in proximal humeral fractures. The present study was carried out between June 2015 to May 2016 in Orthopedic Department, Vydehi institute of medical sciences and research centre. In the proposed study 30 cases presenting with proximal humeral fractures are evaluated clinically and radio logically. In the present study maximum number of patients belongs to 31 to 40 years age group (12 cases) followed by 41 to 50 years age group (8 cases), maximum number of patients sustained femur fracture due to RTA (22 cases) followed by fall (08 cases), maximum number of patients sustained two part fracture (17 cases), followed by three part fracture (09 cases), four part fracture was seen in 3 cases and fracture dislocation in 1 case, 10 patients had excellent functional results and 15 patients had good functional outcome, while only 4 patients had fair functional outcome. The majority of patients can be treated with a sling or brace, and with time the fracture will heal. Casting is not possible with most types of humerus fractures. Surgery may be required when the bone fragments are far out of position.