Outcomes of Proximal Humeral Fracture Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis: A Prospective Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Skeletal Reconstruction

Background:

• Proximal humeral fractures are common, increasing with age and high-energy trauma.
• Surgical fixation is often needed for displaced fractures, but open techniques risk soft tissue damage.
• Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) offers a less invasive alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of proximal humeral fractures treated with MIPO.
• To assess functional recovery and complication rates associated with MIPO.
• To compare MIPO's effectiveness against conventional open reduction techniques.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 45 patients with proximal humerus fractures treated via MIPO.
• Outcomes assessed using the Constant-Murley score and radiographic parameters over a 6-month follow-up.
• Statistical analysis performed using SPSS, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Main Results:

• High union rate (96% by 12 weeks) and favorable mean Constant-Murley score (77.2).
• 78% of patients achieved excellent or good functional outcomes.
• Lower complication rate (11%) compared to open techniques, with significant associations between outcomes and younger age/fewer comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• MIPO is a safe and effective treatment for proximal humeral fractures, yielding high union rates and good functional outcomes.
• The technique preserves soft tissues and vascularity, reducing operative trauma.
• MIPO is a viable surgical option, particularly when combined with early rehabilitation.