Low Revision Rates with Locking Plate Fixation of Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Comparison of Two Implant Systems

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Proximal humerus fractures are common injuries.
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a standard treatment.
• Various plating systems exist, including Zimmer Biomet and DePuy Synthes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare complication rates and revision surgery requirements between Zimmer Biomet and DePuy Synthes plating systems for ORIF of proximal humerus fractures.
• To evaluate the clinical superiority of one system over the other.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 78 patients (41 Zimmer Biomet, 37 DePuy Synthes) undergoing ORIF for proximal humerus fractures between June 2016 and February 2023.
• Comparison of complication rates using chi-square and t-tests.
• Assessment of outcomes including avascular necrosis, impingement, malunion, and fixation failure.

Main Results:

• Overall complication rate was 4.88% for Zimmer Biomet and 13.5% for DePuy Synthes (P > 0.05).
• Revision surgery was required in two Zimmer Biomet patients and two DePuy Synthes patients.
• No statistically significant differences were found in specific complication types or fixation failure between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Neither the Zimmer Biomet nor the DePuy Synthes plating system demonstrated clinical superiority for ORIF of proximal humerus fractures.
• Complication rates and the need for revision surgery were similar between the two systems.
• Surgeon preference and equipment availability should guide the selection of plating systems.