T-Plate Fixation for Two- and Three-Part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus.
10.12671/jkfs.2005.18.4.426
- Author:
Dong Ju SHIN
1
;
Se Ang CHANG
;
Young Soo BYUN
;
Dae Hee HWANG
;
Sung Rak LEE
;
Sang Hee KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Daegu Fatima Hospital, Daegu, Korea. fatimaos@unitel.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Proximal humerus;
Two- and three-part fractures;
T-plate fixation
- MeSH:
Fractures, Comminuted;
Humans;
Humeral Head;
Humerus*;
Joints;
Necrosis;
Shoulder Dislocation;
Shoulder Fractures
- From:Journal of the Korean Fracture Society
2005;18(4):426-431
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and complications of treatment using T-plate fixation for two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and July 2003, thirty-three patients with two-part and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus were treated by T-plate fixation. There were 21 two-part fractures and 12 three-part fractures including three shoulder dislocations. The reduction was qualified and complications were assessed with final radiographs. The functional outcome was evaluated by Neer's rating system. RESULTS: Thirty-two cases (96.7%) were united, twenty-nine cases (87.9%) were reduced as good, and twenty-three cases (70%) had excellent or satisfactory results. There were four cases of loss of reduction, three cases of stiff joint, one case of nonunion, and one case of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, but no infection. No correlation was found between the final result and the type of fracture, age, gender, or quality of reduction. CONCLUSION: T-plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures is a reliable method to obtain good results through satisfactory reduction, rigid fixation, and early movement. Additional tension band wiring can provide stable fixation for osteoporotic or comminuted fractures difficult to obtain stable fixation.
