Comparison Of Outcomes After Fixation Of Proximal Humerus Fractures In Elderly To Non- Elderly Patients Using Locking Plates

Objective:Purpose of this study was to analyze the comparison of functional outcome in elderly (≥65 years of age) to non-elderly patients (< 65 years of age) who had sustained a proximal humerus fracture and were subsequently treated with locking plate technology. This study also demonstrated the overall efficacy for the improvement in functional outcome by calculating the age related constant scores.Methods:Retrospective database of all patients between January 2008 and December 2012 with proximal humerus fracture who had undergone surgery using locking plates was obtained. Patients’ charts were retrospectively reviewed to analyze presentation, type of injury and management for the proximal humerus fracture. All available follow up data was reviewed.Results:A total of 49 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. They were divided into two groups:Group A (<65 years) and Group B (>65 years). Constant score questionnaire was completed for all these 49 patients. Level of significance for the differences in functional outcome between the two groups was calculated using unpaired t-test. The results were statistically significant for the functional outcome between the two groups indicating that younger patients function better with the use of locking plate technology. Of all the 49 patients about 85% of the patients had an excellent/satisfactory functional outcome as suggested by the constant score.Conclusion:There is enough evidence to support the use of the technology in patients from all age groups. Locking plate technology for fixation of proximal humerus fracture has a favorable outcome in the younger patients compared to the older patients.