Results of surgery using a locking plate for proximal humerus fractures in patients older than 80 years: A retrospective case series
Abstract Background: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment using a locking plate for proximal humeral fractures in patients aged >80 years. Methods: Between September of 2013 and March of 2016, there were 22 patients who received locking plate fixation from proximal humeral fractures over 80 years-old. Among the 22 cases, Clinical, radiological results were analyzed for 19 patients who were able to follow up more than one year. We analyzed bone union, neck-shaft angle, UCLA score, range of motion compared to opposite side and complication. Clinical, radiological results were investigated for medial comminuted fracture or not.Results: All the patients achieved bone union. The mean bone union time was 13.7 weeks, and the mean neck-shaft angle was 126.4. The mean University of California, Los Angeles, shoulder score was 22.4, and score was <28 point in 12 patients. The mean forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation angles were 129.2°, 112.3°, 44.2°, and L2. All motions were significantly different from the normal shoulder motion. A significant difference was found in the loss of neck-shaft angle according to the medial comminuted fracture.Conclusion: In the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures in patients aged >80 years, use of a locking plate attained bone union with relatively satisfactory results. However, we considered that prevention of and training for postoperative stiffness are necessary. Other surgical methods should be considered for patients with complex displaced fractures, especially those with medial comminuted fractures.