Comparative analysis of operative treatment of fractures of the proximal humerus using two different surgical techniques.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical treatment of two-part and three-part proximal humerus fractures utilizing two approaches.

Method: Study involved a total of 40 individuals. Twenty patients were treated with plates and screws and 20 with intramedullary locking nail osteosynthesis. We created 10 pairs of patients that were matched in age, gender, and fracture type, with the sole difference being the osteosynthetic material used. The mean follow-up was 4 years (1-9 years). We evaluated the results of treatment using Constant's scoring scale.

Results: The mean value of Constant's scoring scale was 78.05 for patients treated with plates and screws and 67.55 for those treated with intramedullary stabilization. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups nor were there statistically significant differences in post-operative range of motion (ROM).

Conclusions: The results of Constant's scoring scale were higher for patients whose fractures were stabilized with a plate and screws. The same group of patients had a higher degree of mobility and better ROM. Even while there was a general tendency toward better outcomes when using plates and screws for fixation, there was no indication as to which surgical technique offers the best results.