COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS AND OUTCOMES OF THE DIFFERENT MODALITIES (CLOSED V/S OPEN) OF THE TREATMENT OF THE PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURES

Abstract

Proximal humerus fractures are very common fractures occurring in the skeleton. They account for approximately 4 – 5% of the fracture attendance at the hospital. The preferred treatment depends on various factors including the patient's age, bone quality, the patterns of fracture and the patients' expectations and physical demands. In this study, we have studied the results of different modalities of operative treatment, their advantages & disadvantages, complications & outcomes in terms of functional and radiological results.

Material & Methods: This study was carried out in CIVIL HOSPITAL, AHMEDABAD between May 2012 to April 2013; we have studied forty-four patients of proximal humerus fractures.

Observation & Results: The study consists of 44 cases of proximal humerus fractures in adult patients treated surgically. The data analysis of these patients received as the material for the study was analyzed to the following findings. Mean constant score [2] in percutaneous method is 73 (SD=20.54) and ORIF method is 80.26 (SD=14.23) (P-value <0.05). Total 12 (29.54%) fractures showed varus collapse at the final follow up. Among them, 7 (33.33%) of the patients were operated by the percutaneous method and 5 (26.87%) of the patients were operated by open method showed varus collapse.

Conclusion: The principle of fixation is a reconstruction of the articular surface, including the restoration of the anatomy, stable fixation, with minimal injury to the soft tissues preserving the vascular supply should be applied.

KEYWORDS: Proximal humerus, Orif, Percutaneous method, Varus collapse, Constant score