Publication:

Functional outcome of displaced proximal humerus fractures managed by proximal humerus interlocking system plate

Background Fractures of the proximal humerus are the second most common upper extremity fracture and the third most common fracture, after hip and distal radial fractures. The fractures can occur at any age, but the incidence rapidly increases with age.

Methods The study was conducted in patients treated for displaced proximal humerus fracture at Adichunchanagiri Institute Of Medical Sciences, BG Nagar from the month of June 2014 to August 2016. Twenty proximal humerus fracture patients were taken into the study; all were fixed with PHILOS plate. Patients’ age ranged from 18 to 75 years with a mean of 42.9.

Results The sample consisted of twenty patients of proximal humeral fractures. 08 were males and 12 females. The patients’ ages ranged from 18-75 years with a mean age of 42.9 years. The causes of fractures were road traffic accident in 13 patients, fall in 06 patients and electric shock in 1 patient. 11 fractures involved the right side and 09 involved the left. Patients were followed up from 03 weeks to 06 months. Functional outcome was rated as per Constant-Murley Shoulder Score, we got excellent results in 04 cases, satisfactory in 10, unsatisfactory in 05 xi and failure in 01 patient. Mean Constant-Murley score of this study at the end of the final follow-up period was 81.6.

Conclusions The PHILOS plate is a good implant to use for fractures of the proximal humerus. However, proper placement of the plate and fixation are required to produce satisfactory results. We recommend use of this implant in Neer 2-part, 3-part, 4-part fractures with or without dislocation and osteoporotic fractures.