Objective: To evaluate the indications and clinical results of displaced proximal humeral fractures treated by locking proximal humeral plate (LPHP).
Methods: From September 2004 to March 2006, 75 patients which were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with LPHP were available to follow-up, with an average time of 17 months (12 - 30 months). There were 60 fresh fractures and 15 delayed fractures. The range of motion, muscle strength, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, American shoulder and elbow surgeon (ASES) score, Constant-Murley, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system and simple shoulder test (SST) for function evaluation were all recorded.
Results: The average forward flexion was (147.3 +/- 17.7) degrees , external rotation was (30.5 +/- 16.2) degrees and internal rotation was to T9. The mean ASES was 86.7 +/- 12.7, Constant-Murley was 87.4 +/- 10.5, UCLA was 30.1 +/- 4.2. The total good or excellent rate was 89.3%. Compare with fresh fractures, the delayed group showed significant less forward flexion and ASES (P = 0.021 and 0.036 respectively). In 9 patients with late complications, there were significant differences regarding ASES, UCLA scoring system and Constant-Murley compared with patients without any complication.
Conclusion: With strict indication control and appropriate surgical technique, satisfactory results can be expected for the displaced proximal humeral fractures treated with locking proximal humeral plates.