Locking plate fixation for proximal humerus fractures: a comparison with other fixation techniques

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Displaced proximal humerus fractures are common injuries requiring surgical intervention.
• Traditional fixation methods have limitations in achieving optimal fracture reduction and patient outcomes.
• Emerging fixation techniques, such as locking plates, require comparative analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of locking plates versus traditional surgical treatments for displaced proximal humerus fractures.
• To evaluate functional outcomes, fracture reduction, and complication rates associated with different fixation methods.
• To determine the correlation between range of motion (ROM) and patient-reported outcome scores.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 98 patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures.
• Comparison of outcomes between locking plates and various traditional surgical fixation methods.
• Assessment of functional outcomes, fracture reduction, complications, and range of motion (ROM) at a mean 45-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Trends suggest better fracture reduction with locking plates.
• Percutaneous pinning was associated with a greater range of motion (ROM).
• Complication rates were similar across all treatment groups and unrelated to fixation type. Method of fixation did not correlate with outcome scores, but functional ROM was associated with better American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores.

Conclusions:

• Locking plates provide comparable clinical outcomes to traditional fixation methods for proximal humerus fractures.
• Achieving functional range of motion (ROM) is a critical factor for improved patient-reported outcomes.
• Further research may elucidate optimal fixation strategies based on fracture patterns and patient-specific factors.