Does Proximal Humerus Inter Locking System (PHILOS) Plating Provide a Good Functional Outcome in Proximal Humerus Fractures?

Abstract

IntroductionThere is still a lot of controversy and ambiguity, and no single therapy regimen or strategy for proximal humerus fractures has been proved to be uniformly helpful. According to estimates, only about 20% of proximal humeral fractures require surgery. This study aims at evaluating the functional outcome of treatment of Proximal humerus fractures with PHILOS (Proximal Humerus Inter Locking System) plating using Constant score and assessing the duration for fracture union by follow-up x-rays.MethodologyThis is a retrospective study on patients admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics attached to a tertiary hospital in Kolar from January 2017 to January 2020. After meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, 40 patients were included in this study. All the patients underwent PHILOS plating after the pre-anesthetic check-up. The patients were regularly followed up, the functional outcome was assessed using the Constant Murley score, and the fracture union was assessed radiologically by follow-up x-rays.ResultsThe mean age of our forty patients was 46.8 (20-70), with a male: female ratio of 2.3:1. Fractures united at an average of 13.75 weeks. The functional outcome was found to be excellent in 2 patients (5%), good in 22 patients (55%), fair in 7 patients (17.5%), and poor in 9 patients (22.5%). The Constant mean score achieved was 68.75±14.03. The mean time of fracture union was 13.75 weeks. The constant score was compared between variables like age groups, sex, fracture pattern, and mode of injury, but the values were statistically insignificant.ConclusionEven in individuals with osteopenic bones, we achieved excellent to good fracture repair in most cases. The locking plate provides adequate fracture stability and facilitates early shoulder mobilization without hindering fracture union.