What is the Single Most Important Technical Aspect When Fixing a Proximal Humeral Fracture with A PHILOS Plate?”

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to identify technical factors contributing to hardware complications with PHILOS plates. Methods:A five year retrospective radiological review of all PHILOS platings at our institution was performed. Pathological fractures and revision cases were excluded. (79 patients, 73 females, mean age 88 and range 15-108). AP (Anteroposterior) radiographs were used to assess infero-medial support (presence or absence of calcar screws), adequacy of reduction by measuring the neck-shaft angle, and loss of reduction. The first postoperative radiograph was compared with a follow up radiograph from more than 12 months after the index surgery and cases that required revision were identified. Six patients underwent further surgery for either screw perforation into the joint or plate failure. Cases were then divided into two groups, a revision group (R) and an unrevised group (U), and statistical analysis using Wilcoxon's rank test for non-parametric data was