Introduction: Proximal humerus fracture is considered as one of the commonest fractures in clinical practice. Most of these fractures occur as a result of osteoporosis. Proximal humerus fractures are often nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures with two parts, which can be managed conservatively. Surgical interventions include closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). It also involves trans-osseous suture fixation, Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) with either conventional or Proximal Humerus Interlocking Osteosynthesis System (PHILOS) or hemiarthroplasty. Good clinical outcomes have been achieved by the PHILOS as they stabilize the proximal humeral fractures with steady fixation in osteoporotic bone and assisted aged patients in early functional exercises which resulted in early recovery.
Aim: To analyse the functional results and complications associated with management of proximal humerus fractures treated with PHILOS.
Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at Department of Orthopaedics, Prathima Institute Of Medical Sciences, Nagunur, Karimnagar, from July 2017 to January 2019. 58 patients were taken into study with two-part, three-part, four-part fracture of the proximal humerus in adults >18 years of age. In all patients PHILOS plating was done and surgical events and surgical difficulties faced, post-surgery local or systemic complications, time needed for fracture union and time taken to return to pre-fracture activity were documented. They were followed up till there were signs of union on radiographs or for at least a period of 1 year.
Results: The results were assessed with Constant Murley Score at 6 months post-surgery and Visual Analogue Scale at 6 weekly intervals. The mean Constant score for two-part fractures was 88.1, for Three-part 82.5, for Four-part 72.7. The patients with two-part and three-part fractures had a significantly better VAS than patients with four-part fractures till 18 months of surgery. After 18 months the VAS was similar for all 3 groups. 6.9% developed shoulder stiffness, 2 patients from four-part fracture group developed Varus angulation.
Conclusion: we conclude that the PHILOS is safe, effective and provides stable fixation for proximal humerus fractures and in patients with indigent bone quality.
Keywords: PHILOS, Proximal Humerus Fracture
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