Short-term Clinical Outcome of Proximal Humeral Fracture Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Trans-Deltoid Approach.

BACKGROUND

This study examined the clinical outcomes of fixation of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus using a trans-deltoid approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty patients (13 male and 7 female) were treated with this technique, with a mean age of the patients of 38.85 years (range, 19 to 64 years). All patients were followed up for at least twelve months and were evaluated according to the Constant shoulder score.

RESULTS

The mean Constant Shoulder score was 87.45, ranging from 63 to 100. Ten patients (50%) had excellent results, four patients (20%) had good results, three patients (15%) had satisfactory results, and three had adequate results (15%). There was a statistically significant difference between the type of the fracture and the final score (p=0.013), where 3-part fractures with impaction (11-B1), either valgus or varus impaction, showed higher scores than those without impaction. Four patients presented with post-operative complications varying from superficial infection to radial nerve palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The trans-deltoid approach was a safe and reliable alternative to the delta-pectoral approach for the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures. 2. The impacted (11-B1) fracture type was a signifi-cant contributing factor in terms of good functional outcomes.