[The cannulated blade plate 90 degrees for displaced proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients]

Aim of the study was to analyse the results following osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures with cannulated blade plate 90 degrees (Synthes, Mathys Medizinaltechnik AG, Bettlach, Schweiz) in elderly patients. Between 6/1998 and 12/1999 we treated 20 patients (12 female, 8 male) > 65 years (65-92 y, 75 y) with the cannulated blade plate (fracture type according to AO: 8 x 11-A3, 5 x 11-B1, 3 x 11-B2, 1 x 11-B3 und 3 x 11-C2). Regarding to mechanical and functional advantages we modified the 90 degrees angulation of the implant by bending intraoperatively up to 110-120 degrees. Early post-op physiotherapy was permitted. The radiological results of all patients were evaluated and in 13 patients a clinical follow-up (median 8 months) was obtained. According to the Constant-score 62 points on average were achieved, which corresponds to a satisfactory result (contralateral shoulder 92 points). Complications due to the implant were loosening of the blade plate in 3 cases (A3, B2, C2) and 1 perforation of the blade plate (C2). The consecutive reoperation consisted in a compound osteosynthesis with the blade plate (A3, B2) in 2 cases, a prosthetic replacement and a removal of the implant (C2) in 1 case respectively. Neither infection, major nerve and vessel trauma nor avascular necrosis occurred. The cannulated blade plate 90 degrees represents a justified alternative in the treatment of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients. Commendable indications are fracture types A and B according to AO with stable fixation of the blade plate in the humeral head, which allow early physiotherapy and avoid an alteration of the rotator cuff. C-type fractures tend to complications (2/3).