OBJECTIVETo compare clinical efficacy for the treatment of proximal humeurs fractures in elderly patients between the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with less invasive stabilization system (LISS) and the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking compression plate (LCP).

METHODSFrom June 2008 to June 2011, 40 elderly patients suffering from proximal humeurs fractures were divided into two groups: 20 cases in minimally invasive group and 20 cases in routine group. Mini-incision approach from the lateral shoulder (minimally invasive group) and LISS can be chosen. It was short for MIPO. The antero-medial incision was used in routine group, LCP can be chosen in the method of ORIF. The operation time, the blood loss, the incision length, soreness at 1st, 3rd and 7th days after operation were recorded. The postoperative Neer score, the healing time of bone were recorded. The curative effects were compared according to Neer score system.

RESULTSThe mean operation times were (133.60 +/- 8.90) min and (132.70 +/- 8.41) min in minimally invasive group and routine group (P > 0.05). The blood losses were (155.20 +/- 19.07) ml and (324.05 +/- 48.32) ml (P < 0.05). The incision lengths were (8.15 +/- 1.89) cm and (13.05 +/- 1.95) cm (P < 0.05). The pain scores on the 1st,3rd and 7th days after operation were (6.20 +/- 2.39) and (8.33 +/- 3.01) (P < 0.05), (3.83 +/- 2.09) and (5.31 +/- 2.22) (P < 0.05), (1.22 +/- 0.89) and (3.13 +/- 1.75) (P < 0.05). The postoperative Neer scores were 93.16 +/- 2.55 and 80.31+/- 2.22 (P < 0.05) and the healing times of bone were (6.60 +/- 2.33) months and (8.93 +/- 3.41) months (P < 0.05). There were statistially differences in the blood losses, incision lengths, postoperative pain scores, postoperative Neer scores and the healing times of bone between two groups (P < 0.05). The operation time between the two groups had no statistically different (P > 0.05). According to Neer score system, 13 patients obtained an excellent results, 2 good, 5 fair in minimally invasive group; 6 patients obtained an excellent results, 5 good, 9 fair in routine group.

CONCLUSIONTo compare with the routine group of ORIF, MIPO with LISS has the advantages of small incision, easier operation, less blood loss and improved postoperative shoulder joint function recovery for treatment of proximal humeurs fracture in elderly patients. It is another better method of internal fixation.