OBJECTIVETo explore operative clinical outcomes of proximal humeral fracture with rotator cuff tear in elderly patients.

METHODSFrom March 2010 to August 2014,54 elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures with rotator cuff tear were performed operation, including 30 males and 24 females aged from 68 to 83 years old with an average of 71.5 years old. Thirty patients were caused by falling down, 24 cases were caused by traffic accident. According to Neer classification, 3 cases were part I, 11 cases were part II, 21 cases were part III and 19 cases were part IV. All patients were operated with open reduction and plate internal fixation, 46 cases suffered from rotator cuff tear and carried out repair of rotator cuff; 8 cases were not suffered from rotator cuff tear. Postoperative Neer evaluation of shoulder's function were used to assess clinical results.

RESULTSForty-six patients with rotator cuff tear were followed up from 8 to 21 months with an average of 11 months. All fractures were obtained bone union. No incision infection, axillary nerve injury,loosening screw, plate breakage, shoulder joint dislocation and humeral head osteonecrosis were occurred. According to Neer evaluation of shoulder's function, total score was 88.60 ± 5.12, and 30 cases got excellent results, 7 cases good, 7 cases moderate and 2 cases poor.

CONCLUSIONFor osteoporotic proximal humeral fractures with rotator cuff tear in elderly patients' plate with rivet repair at stage I is an effective stable method, and provide advantages for earlier exercise of shoulder joint, then receive good clinical effects in further.