Abstract: Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the functional and radiological outcomes in 2, 3, and 4-parts proximal humerus fractures treated using the proximal humerus locking plate.
Methods: From January 2016 to December 2016, total 31 patients with displaced 2, 3 or 4-parts proximal humerus fractures included. The functional outcomes were assessed using Constant scores, and radiological assessments were also done over 6 weeks, 3months, and 6 months. The data was analysed for significance using ‘t’ test or ANOVA (analysis of variance) test (statistics calculators version 3.0 Beta). The significance was set at value P<0.05.
Results: Twenty patients (3 excellent, 17 good) had satisfactory results. Though the average Constant score was relatively lesser among the 4-part fractures (67) as compared to 2, and 3-part fractures (79, and 75) at final follow up, it did not reach the desired statistical significance due to inadequate sample sizes. The two most common complications were screw perforation of the head of humerus, and sub-acromial impingement in three patients (9.67%) each respectively. One patient developed osteonecrosis of head in four part fracture.
Conclusion: Locking plate can be a promising implant for fixation of proximal humerus fractures, and due to locking screws, it can work satisfactorily in elderly with osteoporotic fractures with augmentation like cement or bone graft. Although, significant proportion of patients can predictable functional outcomes, complications do occur in some patients. Level of evidence: Type IV.
