Locking Plate Fixation of Proximal Humerus Fractures

摘要

According to epidemiological studies, proximal humerus fractures are among the 3 most frequent fracture types. In people older than 60 years, the fracture of the proximal humerus is more frequent than fractures of the hip region.1'2 Over the last decades, several techniques have been applied for treatment of proximal humerus fractures. Widely accepted is the initiation of a conservative treatment regimen for undisplaced fractures; however, the ideal treatment of dislocated fractures, especially 3- and 4-part fractures, is still the center of scientific debate. Many different implants have been tested and investigated, demonstrating lack of sufficient results. Over the last years, the development of angle stable, locking implants started, and clinical studies demonstrated encouraging results. In our clinic, the locking proximal humerus plate advanced to the implant of choice for treatment of dislocated proximal humerus fractures. There are still cases of implant failure and humeral head necrosis; however, the overall results are encouraging and after a learning curve, the rate of complications decreases.