Early results of treatment of proximal humerus fractures with the PHILOS locking plate
Abstract
Methods: Proximal humerus fractures of 22 patients (13 males, 9 females; mean age 57 years; range 35 to 83 years) were treated with the PHILOS locking plate. According to the Neer classification, 13 patients had comminuted fractures, four patients had valgus impact injuries, two patients had fracture-dislocations, and three patients had fractures involving the proximal 1/3 of the humerus. The fractures were reduced by the transdeltoid lateral approach (n=8) using minimally invasive surgery, and by the anterior deltopectoral approach (n=14) using open surgery. Passive and active exercises were initiated on the second postoperative day and after 4 to 6 weeks, respectively. The results were assessed using the Constant-Murley shoulder scoring system. The mean follow up was 14 months (range 12 to 19 months).
Results: Radiographically, union was observed in 20 patients at the end of 10 weeks. In one patient, time to union was 16 weeks. One patient underwent autogenous bone grafting because of nonunion after 16 weeks. The mean Constant-Murley score was 75.5 (range 51 to 93). There was no significant difference between Constant-Murley scores of patients undergoing the transdeltoid lateral and anterior deltopectoral approaches (p>0.05). Plate fixation was associated with minimal varus deformity in two patients, and subacromial impingement in one patient. Implant failure did not occur. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy and avascular necrosis were observed in two patients, respectively.
Conclusion: Fixation with the PHILOS plate is a nearideal technique with a high union rate in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Bulent Kilic
This is me
Mustafa Uysal
This is me
Bekir Cinar
This is me
Gurkan Ozkoc
This is me
Huseyin Demirors
This is me
Sercan Akpinar
This is me
Publication Date
August 12, 2008
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2008 Volume: 42 Number: 3