Functional outcome of proximal humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a locking compression plate: a cross sectional study

Kapil Pawar, Saurabh Ponde, Abhishek Patil*

Vendanta Institute of Medical Sciences, Dahanu, Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT

Proximal humerus fractures account for about 4% to 5% of all fractures. Following distal forearm fracture, proximal humeral fracture is the second most common upper extremity fracture. Kirschner (K)-Wires, external fixation, tension band wiring, and rush pins, intramedullary nails, ORIF with plates, and shoulder hemiarthroplasty have all been offered as therapeutic options. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcome and complication rates following internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures using a locking compression plate. Patients over the age of 18 with closed proximal humerus fractures or open proximal humerus fractures (Gustilo and Anderson type I, Type II) received open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate in the current study. The participants in this study were 60 people who had a proximal humerus fracture and were treated with open reduction and a proximal humerus locking compression plate. Patients ranged in age from 20 to 85 years old, with a mean age of 51.14 +/- 17.30 years. The age group 36–55 years (37 percent) was the most prevalent, followed by 56–75 years (30 %). The majority of patients (76.7 %) were men who had been in automobile accidents on the right side (83 %) (63 %). According to the Neer classification, the most prevalent type of fracture was a three-part fracture (53 %). The maximum union time observed in this study was 16 weeks, with a minimum of 10 weeks. The average time to union is 12.52 +/- 1.14 weeks. The mean flexion at the end of six months was 121.660 +/- 19.84. The mean internal rotation was 57.330 +/- 8.48, the mean external rotation was 530 +/- 11.98, and the mean abduction was 1180 +/- 19.36. 75.28 +/- 9.66 [Mean +/- SD] is the Mean Constant score. Pain 14.10, ADL 18.26, range of motion 22.46, and power 20 were the mean scores observed on Constant Score for its various aspects. According to the Constant score, the functional outcome of the 60 patients was as follows: 8 patients had excellent outcomes (13%), 34 patients had good outcomes (56.7%), 16 patients had moderate outcomes (26.7%), and two patients had poor outcomes (26.7%) and (3 %). Internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures with a locking compression plate results in anatomical reduction and secure fixation, resulting in a favorable functional outcome.

Keywords:

proximal humerus fractures, Constant score, locking compression plate, open reduction and internal fixation