FUNCTIONAL EFFECTS OF THE USE OF COMPRESSION PLATE IN FRACTURES OF THE PROXIMAL HUMERUS

Abstract

The functional effects of the use of compression plate in proximal humerus fractures were evaluated through a analytical, observational cross-sectional study where the clinical records of 42 patients from a private hospital in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador since January were analyzed. 2015 to December 2017, the statistical analysis was performed in the SPSS-21 software. As it turns out, the functional state of the shoulder after compression plate treatment provides positive effects (90.48%). The probability obtained of the p-value was less than 0.05 when the pre and post-operative results (p = 0.001) were compared using the Constant-Murley scale. Before surgery the total average of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction is 9.70°, 12.50°, 5° and 5° respectively and after surgery flexion (168.40 °), extension (57.02°), abduction (176.9°) and 48.71° adduction improved considerably. The difference in pre and post-operative joint balance averages was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The most common post-operative complication corresponds to persistent pain. It is concluded that the surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures with compression plate is effective, provides excellent postoperative functional results, better range of joint mobility and a lower rate of post-operative complications.

Keywords: Humerus fracture, compression plate, treatment, results.

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