A prospective study on functional and radiological outcome of proximal humeral fractures treated with locking compression plates

Abstract

Fractures of proximal humerus account for about 4 to 5% of all fractures. It is the third most common fracture after hip fracture and colles fracture in elderly patients. In this study we have analysed 20 cases of proximal humeral fractures treated surgically using (PHILOS) proximal humerus locking compression plates admitted at Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, Chennai from April 2013 to November 2013. The aim of the study was to analyze the functional and radiological outcome and to assess the complications of proximal humeral fractures treated using locking compression plates. Patients with proximal humerus fractures, who are skeletally mature and age more than 18 years satisfying Neer s criteria for operative displacement were selected. The patients were operated by the standard anterior deltopectoral approach or deltoid splitting approach using proximal humerus locking plates. All the patients were reviewed at two weeks interval, for first three months and later every month, Radiological evaluation of fracture union was observed by serial X rays. Constant and Murley’s score was used to assess the functional outcome of our patients. The average constant score in our study with 20 patients was 82.4. Finally we concluded that displaced proximal humeral fractures when treated surgically produce greater range of movements (ROM), less pain and less stiffness.