Plates with angular stability: our personal experience in surgical treatment of fractures of the proximal extremity of the humerus

Abstract

We here report our experience in the use of locking proximal humerus plates that, compared to the old-generation ones, have shown a reduced incidence of complications, more manageability and higher preservation of soft tissues. Thirty-two patients underwent surgical treatment with plates with angular stability: 20 women and 12 men, with an average age of 52 years; in 6 cases they were fractures with 2 fragments, in 20 cases they were with 3 fragments and in 6 cases with 4 fragments. Results, evaluated according to the Constant Score, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months and the longest of 2 years, have revealed a 79-point Constant Score one year after surgery (min 42, max 94). In 2 cases we have observed necrosis of the epiphysis while there have not been any cases of secondary mobilisation of the synthesis equipment. Our findings, if we consider the low necrosis percentage, show the good adaptability and the preservation of the soft tissues as guaranteed by the synthesis equipment and by the surgery performed.