Abstract
BackgroundUp to 20% of proximal humeral fractures need to be treated operatively. However, numerus complications were reported by using fixed angled locking plates. The ALPS Proximal Humerus Plating System is a new design implant with novel design features.The aim of this study was to compare the preliminary clinical outcomes and complications of proximal humeral fractures treated with either ALPS or the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) in Asian patients in Taiwan.MethodsBetween January 2016 and December 2018, 66 patients with displaced proximal humeral fractures were analyzed retrospectively, of whom 31 underwent ALPS implant treatment and 35 underwent PHILOS implant treatment. Intraoperative blood loss and operation time, postoperative Constant-Murley Shoulder Outcome (Constant-Murley) score, and complications variables were recorded for the comparison. All cases were regularly followed up for at least 1 year.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 400.8 days (range, 367–446 days). Union was achieved in 98.5% of patients (65/66). The ALPS group yielded similar radiologic and clinical outcomes to the PHILOS plating group for treating displaced proximal humeral fractures, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the Constant-Murley score, and varus malunion (P > 0.05, respectively). However, the incidence of total postoperative complications in the ALPS group was significantly lower than in the PHILOS group (P < 0.05). There was a trend of a lower complication rate of screws/pegs protrusion, avascular necrosis, subacromial impingement, postoperative infection, and reoperation in the ALPS group, although it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05, respectively).ConclusionThe ALPS group yielded similar radiologic and clinical outcomes to the PHILOS plating group for displaced proximal humeral fractures, but the ALPS group had a significantly lower total rate of complications. Therefore, ALPS may be a better option for treating proximal humeral fractures. Further larger clinical studies are needed to confirm the findings presented here.Trial registrationRetrospective study
Highlights
Up to 20% of proximal humeral fractures need to be treated operatively
The proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) (Synthes, Solothurn Switzerland) is a well-established and widely reported implant with good results [8, 9]. It is frequently associated with high complication rates, such as humeral head avascular necrosis (AVN), secondary fracture displacement, screw cut-out with intraarticular penetration, or subacromial impingement with plate [10,11,12]
We report the preliminary clinical and radiographic outcomes of ALPS Proximal Humerus Plating System (ALPS) treatment for proximal humeral fractures compared to PHILOS treatment in an Asian population in Taiwan
Summary
Up to 20% of proximal humeral fractures need to be treated operatively. numerus complications were reported by using fixed angled locking plates. Numerous surveys have suggested that angular stable implants provide sufficient fracture stabilization in older patients [6, 7] Of these implants, the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) (Synthes, Solothurn Switzerland) is a well-established and widely reported implant with good results [8, 9]. The proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) (Synthes, Solothurn Switzerland) is a well-established and widely reported implant with good results [8, 9] It is frequently associated with high complication rates (up to 28.2%), such as humeral head avascular necrosis (AVN), secondary fracture displacement, screw cut-out with intraarticular penetration, or subacromial impingement with plate [10,11,12].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
