Operative Treatment with Locking Compression Plate (LCP) in Proximal Humerus Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of a proximal humerus fracture with a locking compression plate(LCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study reviewed the results of 24 cases of a proximal humerus fracture treated with a LCP from January 2005 to April 2007, after a follow up of more than 12 months. There were 8 males and 16 females with a mean age of 68.9(33-90) years. The clinical results were evaluated using the Neer's evaluation criteria, and the radiographic results were evaluated using the bone union time and Paavoleinen method. RESULTS: The mean time for bone union was 11.9 weeks. Using the Neer's functional evaluation, 21 cases of the 24 patients (87%) showed excellent or satisfactory results. Twenty two cases (91%) showed good results according to the Paavoleinen method. The complications encountered were metal failure (1 patient), AVN of the humeral head (1 patient) and joint stiffness (1 patient). CONCLUSION: The LCP demonstrated good results in the treatment of a proximal humerus fracture and has relatively fewer complications than other internal fixators.