Treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients with cloverleaf plate supplemented with bone cement / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the efficacy of treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients using cloverleaf plate combined with bone cement. Methods 13 aged patients with serious proximal humeral fractures were admitted from 2000.1 to 2001.6. Their X ray revealed displacement and crispation. After anterior reduction through the shoulder joint, the obvious osseous defects were filled with bone cement. Then the fractures were fixed with cloverleaf plates. Sling was applied for the patients postoperatively and the rehabilitation program started 3 weeks after operation. Results All the 13 cases were followed up. The follow up ranged from 5 to 10 months with an average of 8.3 months. The range of motion was satisfactory with a mean abduction over 90 degrees. X ray revealedthat no patient demonstrated osteonecrosis of the humeral head. Union was achieved in all the patients. According to Neers scale, the function of shouder was excellent in 10 cases, and good in 3 cases. Conclusion This methods is recommended for aged patients with osteoporosis, serious osseous defects and difficulty of using internal fixation alone, because it is convenient and reliable and can prevent replacement of joint prosthesis.