Efficacy of the PHILOS plate in the management and functional outcome of proximal humerus fractures: A prospective study

Abstract

Proximal humerus fractures management is a challenging task for orthopaedic surgeons due to the high incidence of postoperative complication. PHILOS plate is the recent advancement in locking plate fixation for proximal humerus fractures which provides angular stability and compression that lead to a speedy recovery. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of the PHILOS plate in the management of displaced fractures to the proximal humerus. A total of 40 cases with displaced proximal humerus fractures admitted in the Department of Orthopedics were recruited. Patients were undergoing Open reduction internal fixation with PHILOS locking plating for the sustained fracture under general anaesthesia. Postoperative follow up appointments were conducted at the end of 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Road traffic accidents were the commonest mode of injury in 72.5% of cases, followed by falling injuries from height (20%) and injuries by falling and slipping (7.5%). The mean constant-murley score was 66.25. The functional outcome was excellent in 20% cases, good in 30% cases, fair in 35% cases and poor in 15% cases. No severe postoperative complications observed. The proximal humerus locking plate is a good treatment option for 2, 3 and 4 part of NEER's fractures with good functional outcome, good stable fixation with minimal postoperative complications.