Functional outcome of proximal humerus fracture treated with philos plate

Abstract

Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common nonvertebral osteoporotic fracture after proximal femur and colles fractures, accounting for >10% of fractures, above the age of 65 years. Wide arrays of techniques have been described like closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation, open reduction followed by fixation with transosseous sutures, tension band wire, T plate, locking plates and screws, intramedullary nails, and prosthetic replacement. The aim of our study was to assessed the functional outcome of open reduction and internal fixation by plate osteosynthesis with proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate for proximal humerus fractures. Prospective study conducted in our medical institution between 2015 and 2016. Open reduction and internal fixation with a PHILOS plate was done under general anesthesia in 31 patients. Male patients predominated female patients (21 males to 10 females), and the average age of patients is 39 years with the range being 25–70years. Road traffic accident and fall from height were the commonest cause of the trauma (77.4%). Neer classification system was used to classify the fractures. During the follow–up functional parameters were assessed using Constant-Murley scoring system. The mean time for radiological union was 14weeks (10-21 weeks). At the final follow-up the mean Constant-Murley score was 81 (57-100). The results were excellent in 15 patients, good in 7 patients, fair in 5 patients and poor in 4 patients. To conclude that PHILO plating is a safe and effective treatment for proximal humerus fractures.