Short Term Outcome of Operative Treatment of Valgus-Impacted Proximal Humeral Fracture

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operative outcome of valgus-impacted proximal humeral fracture. Sixteen patients who underwent open reduction and plate fixation between October 2002 and June 2009 were evaluated. There were 2 males and 14 females. The mean age was 66 years old (39-83) and the average follow-up period was 33 months (11-71). All patients had valgus-impacted 3-part fracture. The average humeral head (HH) inclination angle was 167°(150-197) (unaffected side 145°). The average medial Calcar length was 8.9 mm(0-15) and the lateral displacement of humeral head was 1.3 mm (0-4). The postoperative mean active flexion/abduction: 150°(110-180)/148°(110-180), ER/IR: 50°(25-70)/T11 (L5/S1-T6). The average JOA score was 95 points (83-100). The average HH inclination angle was 143°(130-151) at operative day, 140°(120-150) at final follow up. There was no evidence of humeral head necrosis. Good short term outcome was achieved functionally and radiologically with no signs of correction loss or avascular necrosis of humeral head.