Anterolateral acromial approach in locking plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients

We describe our experience with a two-incision anterolateral acromial approach in locking plate fixation of proximal humeral fractures in older adults. Mean time between injury and surgery was 3.08 +/- 1.24 days. A proximal anterolateral transverse incision and a more distal longitudinal incision were used. A locking plate was inserted along the lateral side of the humerus from the proximal incision to the distal fragment of the humerus. Mean operation time was 62.37 +/- 19.05 minutes. There were no instances of axillary nerve paralysis or infection. Postoperative imaging results were satisfactory in all cases. Three obese patients experienced fat liquefaction at the incision site. Mean total Neer score one year after surgery was 88.16 +/- 5.05. We conclude that the two-incision anterolateral acromial approach with use of locking plates appears to be an effective means to treat proximal humeral fractures in older adults.