Clinical analysis of locking plate for proximal humeral complicated fractures / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To discuss the treatment effect of locking compression plate(LCP)for proximal humeral complicated fractures.[Method]A retrospective study was done on 21 cases of proximal humeral fractures treated with LCP from April 2005 to June 2006.There were 13 male and 8 female,with age of 26-71 year(mean 42.3 year).According to Neer classification,15 cases were three-part fractures including 5 cases with anterior dislocation and 6 cases with primary osteoporosis;6 cases were four-part fractures including 3 cases with anterior dislocation and 2 cases with posterior dislocation.Reduction and fixation were done by deltopectoral-gap approach,the operator put the locking plate on 10mm positerior to the intergroove of tuberosity,5mm away from the tip of humeral greater tuberosity.If there were bone defects in the fracture site after reduction,they were treated with allografts,locking screws and unlocking screws were drilled into proximal and distal part of the fracture.Shoulder exercise should be performed passively three days after operation.One week after operation,active shoulder exercise was done,which was gradually intensified two weeks after operation.[Result]Twenty-one cases were followed up for 10-14 months,average 12.5 months,all fractures were union in 12 month.According to Neer shoulder score,the result was excellent in 11 cases,good in 7 and fair in 3,with excellent and good rate of 85%.[Conclusion]The screw of LCP can lock the plate so that the plate can firmly fixate the proximal humeral comminution fractures and osteoporosis bone,so simultaneously reach fracture union and function exercise,but attentions should be paid to the suitable procedure of LCP to avoid a series of problem of locking plate.