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

Various traditional surgical treatment methods for displaced proximal humerus fractures were compared with locking plates. Ninety-eight patients were reviewed and functional outcomes were obtained. After a mean 45-month follow-up, trends were noted toward better fracture reduction with locking plates and greater range of motion (ROM) with percutaneous pinning. Complications occurred in 22 patients, unrelated to treatment type. Method of fixation did not correlate with outcome scores, but functional ROM was associated with better American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. Locking plates are comparable to traditional fixation methods. Functional ROM is associated with better outcome scores.