Small locking plate solution for reduction and fixation of proximal humeral fracture

China: Using an anteromedial small locking plate improved reduction efficiency, reconstructed medial support, and reduced the occurrence of complications in proximal humeral fractures with medial instability, a recent study has suggested. The study was published in the journal BMC Surgery on 31st October 2021.

The reduction and support of comminuted medial cortex of humeral fracture remain a challenge at the moment. Yuelei Zhang and the team aimed to explore the viability and complications of a novel reduction and fixation technique that employs an anteromedial small locking plate. 

The proposed reduction technique using an anteromedial small locking plate was used to treat fifteen cases of proximal humeral fractures with medial instability (five cases were classified as three-part and ten as four-part by Neer classification). Following that, the radiological and clinical outcomes were assessed over an 18.53-month average follow-up period.

The average operative time was 108 minutes (with a range of 70–130 minutes). All patients were monitored for an average of 18.53 months (range, 9–26 months). All patients had fracture union at a mean of 12.13 weeks (range, 8–16 weeks). There were no delayed unions or non-unions observed. There were no major complications, such as infection or neurovascular injury. Except for one patient during the final visit, the mean Constant score was 79.8 (range, 68–92), and shoulder functioning was satisfactory.