A prospective study to analyze the outcome of proximal humerus fracture managed with proximal humerus locking plate

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The incidence of proximal humerus fractures has increased in last few years due to changes in life style and increase in road traffic accidents. Hence, the challenge of the modern day treatment was to get accurate reductions anatomically, fast healing and early restoration of function. Proximal humerus locking plate revolutionized the treatment without compromising fracture union. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of proximal humerus fracture managed with proximal humerus locking plate.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> This prospective study was conducted at Narayana Medical College Hospital for a period of two years from December 2014 to June 2016. 30 cases of proximal humerus fractures in adults after meeting inclusion criteria were participated and treated surgically with proximal humerus locking plate technique. Consent form was taken from all the patients. The final functional outcome was assessed by radiography and DASH scoring system.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Proximal humerus fractures were found to have high incidence in the 40 to 45 age group which had 37% of the study population. Males predominated over females in our study. Ratio of males to female was 2:1. Right sided fractures are more in the present study in both the sexes. The most common mechanism of injury was fall on the outstretched hand from a standing height or less with minor trauma seen in 34% of patients. High energy trauma was more frequently involved in younger patients (30%). According to Neer’s classification two part fractures constituted the most common type 16 (54%) in this study. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS software version 23.0. A ‘p’ value less than 0.05 was considered significant.</p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The proximal humerus locking plate method for proximal humerus fracture emerges to be safe, effective, reliable fixation with minimal complications.