Vol. 6, Issue 5, Part A (2020)

1. To study the efficacy, functional outcome and time taken for union of the fracture following surgery with locking plates in proximal humeral fractures.

2. To evaluate the incidence of complication that may occur with plating in proximal humeral fractures.

Background and objective: Proximal humerus fractures are common and debilitating injuries and incidence of them are increasing especially in elderly. Treatment of unstable, displaced, and comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus remains challenging. Significant controversy continues regarding the best methods of treating displaced proximal humerus fractures. Classification of fracture types has been inconsistent, and thus selection of surgical approaches has been variable. Various operative procedures are carried out, recent trend in internal fixation has moved on to locking plates. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the functional outcome and complication of proximal humerus fractures treated by locking compression plate.

Methods: The proposed study is a prospective study centered in CSI Memorial Hospital, karakonam attached to Dr SM CSI Medical College, Karakonam. In the proposed study a minimum of 20 cases presenting with proximal humeral fractures are evaluated clinically and radiologically and treated by ORIF with Locking Compression Plates functional outcome was assessed with the use of Neer’s shoulder score at the end of the study.

Results: In our series, majority of the patients were males, with RTA being the commonest mode of injury in young population and domestic fall being most common mode of injury in elderly, involving 2 part, 3part and 4part fractures of proximal humerus. The fractures united in all 20 patients. Excellent and satisfactory results were found in 75% of patients with unsatisfactory results in 25% according to Neer’s criteria. And there are no failures.

Interpretation and conclusion: In conclusion locking Compression plate is an advantageous implant in proximal humeral fractures due to angular stability, particularly in comminuted fractures and in Osteoporotic bones in elderly patients, thus allowing early mobilization.