Osteosynthesis with Locking Plate for Proximal Humerus Fracture

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Proximal humerus fractures constitute 5% of all fractures, frequently linked to osteoporosis in the elderly.
• Internal fixation results can be unpredictable, particularly in osteoporotic or comminuted fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional outcomes and complication rates of proximal humerus fracture fixation using locking plates.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 35 patients with proximal humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using a locking plate.
• Functional outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley shoulder assessment.

Main Results:

• All fractures achieved union, with a mean time to union of 14.6 weeks.
• The average Constant-Murley score at final follow-up was 73.6.
• Complications occurred in 8 cases (22.85%).

Conclusions:

• Internal fixation with locking plates provides a stable construct for proximal humerus fractures.
• This method leads to better functional outcomes and facilitates early shoulder mobilization.