Proximal fractures of the humerus account for about 4 to 5% of all fractures. They are the most common fractures in elderly population. Treatment of unstable, displaced, and comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus remains challenging.

The present study is undertaken to evaluate the functional outcome of proximal humerus fractures treated by locking compression plate in 20 patients.

Prospective study was done involving 20 adult patients with proximal humerus fractures admitted from October 2012 to December 2013 treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking compression plate. The functional follow-up was done for a minimum period of 3 months and the patients were evaluated by Constant Murley scoring (CMS).

In our series, the majority of the patients were middle-aged males, with road traffic accidents (RTAs) being the most common cause of injury, involving 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus. The fractures were united in 19 patients and 1 patient had avascular necrosis (AVN). Excellent results were seen in 15% of patients, good results in 55%, moderate results in 15%, and poor results in 15% according to CMS. There were 95% union rates, 5% of AVN, and no failures.

In conclusion, locking compression plate is an advantageous implant in proximal humerus fractures due to angular stability, particularly in comminuted fractures and in osteoporotic bones of elderly patients, which allows their early mobilization.

Mahesh G, Kiran KC, Ramesh KV, Kumar R. Functional Outcome of Locking Compression Plate in Neer's two-part, three-part, four-part Proximal Humerus Fractures. J Med Sci 2016;2(1):1-8.