Functional outcomes in proximal humerus fractures: A prospective registry-based analysis

Abstract

The present study evaluated and compared functional outcomes of proximal humerus fractures of different categories and their management with different procedures. Data of this prospective cohort was obtained from the orthopaedic trauma registry at a tertiary care hospital for the period from June 2015 to October 2019. Sixty-eight adult patients with proximal humerus fracture were identified out of which 57 (84%) had been operated. Functional outcomes were assessed up to 12-month follow-ups and were compared with different treatment groups, fracture category, and between isolated versus proximal humerus with additional upper limb fractures. At 3-month follow-up, there was significantly better outcomes in Proximal Humeral Internal Locking System (PHILOS) treatment group as compared to PHILOS with bone graft/BMP (p=0.041). PHILOS combined with bone graft/BMP was associated with delayed recovery compared to other management methods. There was non-significant difference in functional outcomes between isolated versus proximal humerus fractures associated with other upper limb fractures, among different fracture categories and between genders.

Keywords: Proximal humerus fracture, Trauma, Treatment approaches, Outcomes, Quick DASH..