OBJECTIVETo evaluate the indications and clinical results of displaced proximal humeral fractures treated by locking proximal humeral plate (LPHP).

METHODSFrom September 2004 to March 2006, 75 patients which were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with LPHP were available to follow-up, with an average time of 17 months (12 - 30 months). There were 60 fresh fractures and 15 delayed fractures. The range of motion, muscle strength, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, American shoulder and elbow surgeon (ASES) score, Constant-Murley, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system and simple shoulder test (SST) for function evaluation were all recorded.

RESULTSThe average forward flexion was (147.3 +/- 17.7) degrees , external rotation was (30.5 +/- 16.2) degrees and internal rotation was to T9. The mean ASES was 86.7 +/- 12.7, Constant-Murley was 87.4 +/- 10.5, UCLA was 30.1 +/- 4.2. The total good or excellent rate was 89.3%. Compare with fresh fractures, the delayed group showed significant less forward flexion and ASES (P = 0.021 and 0.036 respectively). In 9 patients with late complications, there were significant differences regarding ASES, UCLA scoring system and Constant-Murley compared with patients without any complication.

CONCLUSIONWith strict indication control and appropriate surgical technique, satisfactory results can be expected for the displaced proximal humeral fractures treated with locking proximal humeral plates.