1.Functional Outcome and Complications in Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures Operated with Proximal Humerus Locking Plate
George PK ; Dasgupta B ; Bhaladhare SM ; Reddy BPV ; Jain A ; Jogani AD
Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal 2021;15(No.2):47-54
Introduction: Controversies exist in treatment of proximal
humerus fractures as treatment options vary greatly from
conservative management, closed pinning, stacked
intramedullary nails, plating and hemi-arthroplasty. The
purpose of this study is to study the fracture patterns of each
case and document the functional outcome and
complications post-operative in the management of proximal
humerus fractures operated with proximal humerus plate.
Materials and Methods: Thirty five patients with closed
proximal humerus fractures, above 18 years old, admitted in
our tertiary care hospital during the study period were
enrolled. Patients underwent open reduction internal fixation
with proximal humerus locking plate under general
anaesthesia. Post-operative patients were assessed using
Constant and DASH scores. Complications were recorded.
Results: In our study the absolute Constant score of the
study population increases at three months and six months
and was found to be significant. Mean Constant score for 4-
part fractures was 45.6 which were inferior as compared to
2-part and 3-part fractures (43.1 and 44.6, respectively). The
mean Constant score at six months was 51.80 +/- 6.71. All
three types of proximal humerus fractures showed significant
improvement in the mean DASH score over our study period
of six months and was found to be significant. Mean DASH
score at six months was 27.97+/-12.84. Out of the 35 cases
in the study two had complications. One had implant failure
(Neer’s type 3, 60-year-old female) and one had varus
collapse (Neer’s type 3, 45-year-old male).
Conclusion: Due to angular stability and effective
maintenance of the intraoperative fracture reduction during
follow-up period, early post-operative mobilisation is
possible which helps the patient to attain better shoulder
range of motion and return to activity faster.