Tomas Da Silva1, Franziska Rummel2, Christian Knop2, Tobias Merkle2. 1. Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Klinikum Stuttgart - Katharinenhospital, Kriegsbergstraße 60, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany. t.dasilva@klinikum-stuttgart.de. 2. Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Klinikum Stuttgart - Katharinenhospital, Kriegsbergstraße 60, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In order to minimize the risk of damaging the radial nerve while using a long PHILOS plate for proximal humerus fractures, recent studies have proposed twisting the plate in a helical form. This implies a modified surgical approach being yet unclear whether it leads to different middle to long-term shoulder function. This study compares the one-year shoulder functional outcomes of both techniques (helical vs. control). METHODS: In this retrospective comparative study, we analyzed 30 patients that fit the inclusion criteria, being 14 treated with a helical plate and 16 with a conventional straight long PHILOS plate. The primary endpoint was the normalized constant score after a minimum follow up of one year. RESULTS: Both groups had a good one-year shoulder function, and no significant difference between the normalized constant scores was seen. There was no significant difference in the surgical complications as well. CONCLUSION: Opting for a helical long PHILOS plate in order to avoid radial nerve damage provided a safe treatment with similarly good one-year shoulder function compared to straight PHILOS plates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3, Retrospective Cohort Study.
BACKGROUND: In order to minimize the risk of damaging the radial nerve while using a long PHILOS plate for proximal humerus fractures, recent studies have proposed twisting the plate in a helical form. This implies a modified surgical approach being yet unclear whether it leads to different middle to long-term shoulder function. This study compares the one-year shoulder functional outcomes of both techniques (helical vs. control). METHODS: In this retrospective comparative study, we analyzed 30 patients that fit the inclusion criteria, being 14 treated with a helical plate and 16 with a conventional straight long PHILOS plate. The primary endpoint was the normalized constant score after a minimum follow up of one year. RESULTS: Both groups had a good one-year shoulder function, and no significant difference between the normalized constant scores was seen. There was no significant difference in the surgical complications as well. CONCLUSION: Opting for a helical long PHILOS plate in order to avoid radial nerve damage provided a safe treatment with similarly good one-year shoulder function compared to straight PHILOS plates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3, Retrospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Leonid I Katolik; Anthony A Romeo; Brian J Cole; Nikhil N Verma; Jennifer K Hayden; Bernard R Bach Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg Date: 2005 May-Jun Impact factor: 3.019
Authors: Femke M A P Claessen; Rinne M Peters; Diederik O Verbeek; David L Helfet; David Ring Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg Date: 2015-09-02 Impact factor: 3.019