An analysis of locking plate fixation in proximal humerus fractures: A tertiary care teaching hospital-based study

Abstract

Background: Proximal humeral fractures are commonly presented in the orthopedic practice. The usual method of treatment was conservative in the past. However, the results and functional outcomes were not good. Proximal Humerus fractures have a substantial impact on personal function and well-being and are one of the leading causes of excessive mortality among the elderly. Aims and Objectives: An evaluation and analysis of locking plate fixation in proximal humerus fractures in tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the patients of proximal humerus fracture at the department of Orthopedics of a tertiary health care center during the one-year period. During the one-year period there were 63 patients included into the study after written and explained consent. All patients undergone proximal humerus locking plate operations as per the standard operating protocols and procedures. All the necessary data like Age of the patients, sex, Outcome and any associated complications were noted. The data was presented in the percentages and in tabular form. Result: The majority of the patients in our study, were in the age group of >60 were 40.98%, followed by 50-60 were 27.87%, 40-50 were 19.67%, 30-40 were 8.20%, 20-30-3.28%. The majority of the patients were Female i.e. 68%, followed by Male were 32%. The majority of the patients were improved 80%, 20% were associated with complications like Avascular necrosis in 10%, Screw cutout occurred in 7%, Revision surgery required in 3%. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that locking plate fixation gives good functional outcomes in treatment of proximal humerus fractures. In our study, there was no significant difference in the two approaches used for exposure. The most common age of fracture was >60 the majority of the patients were females most of the patients improved; Locking plate fixation was a good surgical option for the management of proximal humerus fractures except with some complications like Avascular necrosis, Screw cutout occurred, Revision surgery required etc.