Results of Our Patients with Proximal Humerus Fractures above 60 Years of Age, in which We Applied Osteosynthesis with Locked Humerus Plate

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There is controversy about the treatment of proximal humeral fracture (PHF) in elderly patients. Surgery should be considered especially for comminuted and advanced displacement fractures. Due to factors such as osteoporosis caused by advanced age, locked proximal humeral plates (LPHP) with good bone involvement are preferred. We examined the results of the LPHP that we applied for PHF over 60 years. METHODS: Patients with PHF over the age of 60 were included in the study. Patients underwent open reduction with a deltopectoral incision and osteosynthesis with a LPHP. Patients are followed up for at least 1 year radiologically and clinically. After the first year, our patients were evaluated according to the Constant-Murley shoulder score (CMSS) and complications were followed up. RESULTS: 31 patients with PHF who were operated on by us were included in our study (25 females,6 males). The mean age is 71.22(62-87). Our patients; According to the Neer classification, 1 has 1-part,13 has 2-part,12 has 3-part, 5 has 4-part and 3 has fracture-dislocations. Mean follow-up time: 13.9(12-18) months. Average union time: 13.55 weeks(12-20). The mean CMSS was found to be 49.74(23-98). There was no significant difference between the CMSS of patients above and below 70 years. No significant difference was found between the CMSS of Neer type 1,2 and 3,4 patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Since locked humeral plate application in patients with PCC over 60 years is prone to complications and poor functional results,we think that it would be appropriate to plan the surgeries accordingly by considering alternative treatment options for these patients.

Keywords

• humerus fracture
• locking plate
• elderly patients
• avascular necrosis
• deltoid atrophy