Abstract
BackgroundOperative treatment is the standard for severely displaced proximal humerus fractures, but functional impairment can persist. Retaining of the implant can be a reason and in other fracture situations has proved to ameliorate patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcome after locking plate removal in proximal humerus fractures.MethodsIn a two-year period, all symptomatic patients with plate osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fracture and hardware removal were retrospectively evaluated clinically and radiologically pre- and post-implant removal. Evaluation included Constant score, height of plate position and possible impingement, as well as intraoperative complications.ResultsTwenty patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 56 ± 12 years. The plates were placed 6.9 ± 3 mm distal to the greater tubercle. The operation was performed in 35 ± 10 min and no intraoperative complications were reported. The Constant score improved significantly after implant removal from 71 to 76 (p = 0.008).ConclusionSymptomatic patients after locked plate osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fractures showed statistically significant improvement of the Constant score after implant removal.
Highlights
Operative treatment is the standard for severely displaced proximal humerus fractures, but functional impairment can persist
Radiological analysis showed a correct height of the plates in all cases
Our study presents the results after plate removal in patients with persisting pain or impaired function after proximal humerus fractures
Summary
Operative treatment is the standard for severely displaced proximal humerus fractures, but functional impairment can persist. The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcome after locking plate removal in proximal humerus fractures. The proximal humerus is one of the most frequent fractures [1, 2]. Displaces fractures are treated conservatively, while in severely displaced fractures, operative therapy is preferred. Implant related complications e.g. impingement and meteorosensitivity can influence these clinical outcome parameters. It is not surprising, that implant removal contributes to up to 30 % of all elective orthopaedic procedures [5].
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