Osteosynthesis with Locking Plate for Proximal Humerus Fracture.

Background Approximately 5% of all fractures consists of proximal humeral fractures. In the elderly population, most of these fractures are related to osteoporosis. Internal fixation has led to unpredictable results, especially in patients with osteopenic bone and those with comminuted fractures. Objective To evaluate functional outcome and complications following proximal humerus fracture fixation using locking plate. Method This prospective observational study was conducted at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital from February 2014 to June 2015. We reviewed 35 patients with proximal humerus fractures, who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with locking plate.Functional outcome was evaluated according to the ConstantMurley shoulder assessment. Result Fracture union was achieved in all cases with the mean time to union being 14.6 weeks (11-24 weeks). At the final follow up the mean constant murley score was 73.6 (48-94). There was total 8(22.85%) cases who developed complication. Conclusion Internal fixation with the locking plate for proximal humerus fractures provides stable construct with better functional outcome as it allows early shoulder mobilization.