PURPOSETo evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of comminuted radial head fractures, which were not amenable for classical open reduction with internal fixation, treated by on-table reconstruction and fixation using low profile plates.

METHODSWe reviewed 6 patients of Mason type III radial head fractures treated by on-table reconstruction technique between 2011 and 2013. There were 5 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 35 years (range 25-46 years). All surgeries were carried out at our tertiary care level 1 trauma centre within a mean of 3 days (range 1-8 days) from date of injury using on-table reconstruction technique. The functional outcome was measured using elbow functional rating index described by Broberg and Morrey and the patient-based Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure.

RESULTSThe mean follow-up period was 25 months. The average elbow flexion was 135°(range 125°-140°) and theaverage flexion contracture was 5°(range 0-10°). The average supination and pronation was 75°(range 70°-80°) and 70°(range 65°-82°) respectively. According to Broberg and Morrey scoring system, the average score was 90 points (range 75-100). The mean DASH score was 2.49 points.

CONCLUSIONOn-table reconstruction and fixation of comminuted radial head fractures using low profile plates is a reasonable option. The reconstructed radial head acts as spacer and provides reasonably good results and no surgical intervention is required for asymptomatic nonunion of these fractures regardless of the radiological findings.

Adult ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fractures, Comminuted ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate functional outcome and complications of open reduction and internal fixation with proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate for proximal humerus fractures.

METHODSWe reviewed 51 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with PHILOS plate between the years 2007 to 2012. There were 35 men and 16 women with a mean age of 38 years (range 24-68). There were 41 patients in the age group of <60 years and 10 patients in the age group of >60 years. According to Neer classification system, 8, 15 and 23 patients had 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part fractures, respectively and 5 patients had 4-part fracture dislocation. All surgeries were carried out at our tertiary care trauma centre. Functional evaluation of the shoulder at final follow-up was done using Constant-Murley score.

RESULTSThe mean follow-up period was 30 months (range 12-44 months). Two patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 49 patients, all fractures were united clinically and radiologically. The mean time for radiological union was 12 weeks (range 8-20 weeks). At the final follow-up the mean Constant-Murley score was 79 (range 50-100). The results were excellent in 25 patients, good in 13 patients, fair in 6 patients and poor in 5 patients. During the follow-up, four cases of varus malunion, one case of subacromial impingement, one case of deep infection, one case of intraarticular screw penetration and one case of failure of fixation were noted. No cases of avascular necrosis, hardware failure, locking screw loosening or nonunion were noted.

CONCLUSIONPHILOS provides stable fixation in proximal humerus fractures. To prevent potential complications like avascular necrosis, meticulous surgical dissection to preserve vascularity of humeral head is necessary.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; methods ; Fracture Healing ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Recovery of Function ; Shoulder Fractures ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome