Application of a Lateral Intertubercular Sulcus Plate in the Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures: a Finite Element Analysis and Example in Clinical Practice

Background: Inversion deformities caused by insufficient medial support are especially common when the PHILOS locking plate is used to treat proximal humeral fractures. Using finite element analysis, the present study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of a PHILOS locking plate (PLP) and a PHILOS plate combined with a lateral intertubercular sulcus plate (PLP-LSP) in the fixation of proximal humeral fractures with loss of the medial column. We also present representative results for a 69-year-old female patient with a comminuted fracture of the proximal right humerus (Neer type four-part fracture) who underwent successful surgical treatment with a PHILOS plate combined with an auxiliary lateral intertubercular sulcus plate. Methods: After creating a three-dimensional finite element model of proximal humeral fracture with loss of the medial column, three implant models were established. A full-screw PHILOS plate (PLP) was used in Group A, while a PHILOS plate lacking medial screw support and an auxiliary plate were used in Group B (MPLP-LSP). A full-screw PHILOS plate and auxiliary plate were used in Group C (PLP-LSP). The three fixation models were applied to the proximal humerus fracture model, following which horizontal, compressive, and rotational loads were applied to the humerus model. We evaluated the structural stiffness and stress distribution of the implant and compared displacement and angle changes among the three models. Results: Displacement and angle changes were smallest in Group C (PLP-LSP). The implant model used in Group C also had the highest structural rigidity, endured less von Misses stress than the other two models , and had the strongest stability. In our clinical case, X-ray and computed tomography images obtained 3 months after the operation indicated that the fracture had healed, with good positioning of internal fixation and good functional recovery.Conclusion: A lateral intertubercular sulcus plate placed at the internodal grove not only aids in anatomical reduction but also provides effective lateral and medial support, thereby reducing stress on the PHILOS plate and providing better stability in patients with proximal humeral fractures.

Clinical and Radiologic Results Comparing the Periarticular Proximal Humerus Locking Plate and Polarus Nail for Displaced Proximal Humerus Fractures

BACKGROUND: This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of the single calcar screw plate and Polarus nail techniques for the treatment of the proximal humerus fractures.METHODS: Seventy-two patients diagnosed with displaced proximal humerus fracture were enrolled for the study. Of these, 50 patients underwent the locking plate surgery with a single calcar screw (plate group), whereas 22 patients underwent the Polarus nail surgery (nail group). The plate group was further divided into plate 1 group (with medial support), and plate 2 group (without medial support). The radiological and functional results of both groups were compared to the nail group.RESULTS: The α angle 1 year after surgery was significantly different between plate 1 and plate 2, and plate 2 and nail groups (p=0.041, p=0.043, respectively). The ratio that does not satisfy the reference value of γ angle was 2.8% in plate 1, 7.1% in plate 2 and 22.7% in nail group (p=0.007); there was a significant difference between plate 1 and nail group, and plate 2 and nail group (p=0.014, p=0.033, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were observed in the clinical results between locking plate and Polarus nail. However, in the plate 2 group and nail group, the rate of failure to maintain reduction during the 1-year period after surgery was statistically and significantly higher than the plate 1 group (level of evidence: level IV, case series, treatment study).