Internal Fixation of Proximal Humerus Fracture with Locking Compression Plate

Park,  Chul Hyun; Park,  Sung Hyuk; Seo,  Jae Sung

doi:2009.12.1.44

Clin Shoulder Elb > Volume 12(1); 2009 > Article

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society 2009;12(1):44-52.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5397/CiSE.2009.12.1.044 Published online June 30, 2009.

Internal Fixation of Proximal Humerus Fracture with Locking Compression Plate

Chul Hyun Park, Sung Hyuk Park, Jae Sung Seo

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yeungnam University, College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. sjs@med.yu.ac.kr

잠김 압박 금속판을 이용한 근위 상완골 골절의 내고정술

박철현·박성혁·서재성

영남대학교 의과대학 정형외과학교실

Abstract

PURPOSE
We assessed the radiographic and clinical results of one surgeon's experience treating proximal humerus fractures with a locked proximal humeral plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with unstable proximal humerus fractures were treated with a locking compression plate between February 2005 and September 2007. The average age of the patients was 60.6 years, and the average postoperative follow-up period was 22.3 months. The clinical results were evaluated using the Constant and DASH scores. The radiologic results were evaluated by the Paavolainen method, which measures the neck shaft angle and humeral head height.
RESULTS
At the last follow-up examination, the mean Constant score was 75.3 and 15 cases (75%) had excellent or good results; the mean DASH score was 16.4. The mean neck shaft angle was 137.1degrees , and 19 cases (95%) had good results by the Paavolainen method. There was one delayed union, malunion, and screw loosening.
CONCLUSION
The patients treated with a locking compression plate had relatively good clinical and radiologic results, and a low complication rate. Moreover, the patients could exercise earlier due to good reduction and initial stability. Treatment of unstable proximal humerus fractures with a locking compression plate is a reliable method

Key Words: Humerus; Proximal humerus fracture; Locking compression plate