Ziel der Studie war die Evaluation des biomechanischen Effekts einer medialen Unterstützung bei proximalen Humerusfrakturen. An 32 unfixierten humanen Humeri, aufgeteilt in vier Plattenosteosynthesegruppen, wurde der Einfluss von inferomedialen Schrauben, dynamischen Verriegelungsschrauben und medialer Knochenspanaugmentation vom Femurkopf, im Vergleich zu einer Gruppe ohne mediale Unterstützung, getestet. Die Steifigkeit der Proben wurde bei Torsion, axialer Ausrichtung, 20° Abduktion und 20° Adduktion geprüft. Anschließend wurde über 5000 Zyklen und bis zum Versagen belastet. Verglichen wurden Steifigkeiten, interfragmentäre Bewegungen, Maximalbelastungen und Versagensursachen. Ausschließlich für die Gruppe mit Knochenspanaugmentation konnten signifikante Unterschiede, im Vergleich zu den anderen Gruppen, nachgewiesen werden. Eine Knochenspanaugmentation, mittels kortikospongiösem Span vom Hüpftkopf, bot biomechanisch eine signifikante Unterstützung der medialen Säule. Klinisch könnte das Auftreten von sekundären Repositionsverlusten möglicherweise reduziert werden. Für die Verwendung von inferomedialen oder dynamischen Schrauben ließen sich bei 2-Segmentfrakturen im biomechanischen Modell keine signifikanten Vorteile nachweisen.

Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common fractures in the over-65 patient population and their stable fixation remains a key challenge in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. While Open Reduction Internal Fixation by plate has become a well-known treatment modality in the last few decades, clinical studies associate high complication rate with its use. The overall aim of this project was to create a computer-aided design framework for proximal humerus plates using a validated subject-specific humerus-plate finite element model. The framework consisted of three stages: (1) reverse engineering of bone and plate geometry, (2) creation and validation of a finite element model simulating the in vitro testing of the bone-implant construct and (3) parametric optimisation study of implant design using this model. In vitro biomechanical tests were conducted to not only compare the mechanical performance of three key commercially available proximal humerus plates (S3-, Fx- and PHILOS plate) but also the effect of different screw zones. Sixty-five humeri specimens with two-part surgical neck fractures were treated and grouped based on their different screw configurations. Extension, flexion, varus and valgus bending were applied in the cantilever fashion in the elastic tests whereas only varus bending was applied in the plastic tests. The load required to apply 5 mm displacement was measured to determine bone-plate construct stiffness. The S3 plate yielded the stiffest constructs and while the removal of the inferomedial support had the most impact on varus bending stiffness, type of medial support was important: inferomedial screws in the Fx plate achieved higher bending stiffness than blade insertion. Stability of constructs treated with the plate was an interplay of factors such as the plate’s and screws' number, orientation and position. Next, a subject-specific finite element model of the humerus-plate construct was successfully developed that simulated the stiffest of the constructs from the in vitro varus bending tests conducted in this project. The model was validated against the in vitro results. The validated model was then used to perform a parametric optimisation study where the combination of design parameters (height and divergence angle of S3 plate’s inferomedial screws) was determined that achieved optimum bone-plate construct stability (minimum fracture gap change). Out of the 538 designs tested, the optimum design (16o divergence angle and 33o height angle) yielded the lowest fracture gap change (0.156 mm) which was 4.686% lower than the standard finite element model while achieving 5.707% higher varus bending load (54.753 N). The validated model was also used to investigate the issue of using smooth pegs and threaded screws. Twenty-six models with different percentages of screw threading were run to compare their bone-plate construct stiffness. While threading the smooth pegs was found to increase the varus bending stiffness by up to 4.546%, it did not affect all screws equally. Finally, the successful completion of the optimisation study of screw orientation and the clinical investigation promises the implementation of the computational framework for a range of future multi-objective optimisation studies of multiple design parameters especially for the design of implants for other parts of the human body and also for investigations into other clinically relevant questions.

No description available.

Background: Complex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution remain challenging regarding reduction and stability. In most fracture patterns the hard bone of the bicipital groove remains intact. In this case series, we describe a novel technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis of complex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution. Methods: In randomly chosen shoulder specimens and synthetic bones, pilot studies for evaluation of the feasibility of the technique were performed. Between 4/2010 and 1/2012 10 patients underwent hybrid double plate osteosynthesis. Seven patients (4 male, 3 female, mean age was 50 years (range 27–73)) were available for retrospective analysis. Based on plain radiographs (anterior-posterior and axial view), the fractures were classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification (OTA) and by descriptive means (head-split variant (HS), diaphyseal extension or comminution (DE)). Results: Follow-up radiographs demonstrated complete fracture healing in six patients and one incomplete avascular necrosis. None of the patients sustained loss of reduction. Three patients where reoperated. The medium, not adapted, Constant score was 80 Points (58–94). Patients subjective satisfaction was graded mean 3 (range: 0–6) in the visual analog scoring system (VAS). Conclusion: The technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis using the bicipital groove as anatomic landmark may re-establish shoulder function after complex proximal humerus fractures in two dimensions. Firstly the anatomy is restored due to a proper reduction based on intraoperative landmarks. Secondly additional support by the second plate may provide a higher stability in complex fractures with metaphyseal comminution.

Ziel der Studie war die Evaluation des biomechanischen Effekts einer medialen Unterstützung bei proximalen Humerusfrakturen. An 32 unfixierten humanen Humeri, aufgeteilt in vier Plattenosteosynthesegruppen, wurde der Einfluss von inferomedialen Schrauben, dynamischen Verriegelungsschrauben und medialer Knochenspanaugmentation vom Femurkopf, im Vergleich zu einer Gruppe ohne mediale Unterstützung, getestet. Die Steifigkeit der Proben wurde bei Torsion, axialer Ausrichtung, 20° Abduktion und 20° Adduktion geprüft. Anschließend wurde über 5000 Zyklen und bis zum Versagen belastet. Verglichen wurden Steifigkeiten, interfragmentäre Bewegungen, Maximalbelastungen und Versagensursachen. Ausschließlich für die Gruppe mit Knochenspanaugmentation konnten signifikante Unterschiede, im Vergleich zu den anderen Gruppen, nachgewiesen werden. Eine Knochenspanaugmentation, mittels kortikospongiösem Span vom Hüpftkopf, bot biomechanisch eine signifikante Unterstützung der medialen Säule. Klinisch könnte das Auftreten von sekundären Repositionsverlusten möglicherweise reduziert werden. Für die Verwendung von inferomedialen oder dynamischen Schrauben ließen sich bei 2-Segmentfrakturen im biomechanischen Modell keine signifikanten Vorteile nachweisen.

Zur Diagnostik von Rupturen der Rotatorenmanschette wird häufig die im Vergleich zur Sonografie deutlich kostenintensivere Magnetresonanztomografie durchgeführt. Ein Grund hierfür ist, dass es zum Teil schwierig ist, standardisierte statische Sonografie-Bilder zu gewinnen, was die reproduzierbare, untersucherunabhängige diagnostische Information verringert. Ziel des ersten Teils der Arbeit war es einerseits, zu analysieren, ob mit der 3D-Sonografie diese Probleme verringert werden könnten und andererseits die Sensitivität mit dem 2D-Ultraschall zur Diagnostik von Komplett- und Partialrupturen zu vergleichen. Bei der Untersuchung von 114 Patienten konnten mit dem 3D-Ultraschall Rupturen der Rotatorenmanschette gut dargestellt werden. Der Vergleich zwischen 2D- und 3D-Ultraschall ergab keinen statistisch signifikanten Unterschied zwischen beiden Verfahren für die Diagnostik von Komplett- und Partialrupturen. Ein Vorteil war die Möglichkeit der untersucherunabhängigen simultanen Auswertung von drei standardisierten Schnittebenen zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt. Bei der Verwendung biodegradierbarer Anker zur Fixierung von Weichteilen können ossäre Reaktionen auftreten. Ziel war es, die frühen Reaktionen des umgebenden Gewebes auf einen Poly-(L-co-D/L-Lactid) 70/30 Anker im Vergleich zu einem Titananker im Schafsknochen zu analysieren. Innerhalb von 20 Wochen nach Implantation zeigte sich keinerlei Verlust von Knochensubstanz im Bereich des distalen Schafsfemur bei Ankern aus Titan oder aus Polylactid. Vielmehr zeigte sich eine ausgeprägte Neuformation von spongiösem Knochen in die Implantathohlräume vor allem für das biodegradierbare Material. Daher sollten neben materialbedingten Ursachen auch biomechanische Ursachen wie zyklische Belastungen für mögliche Osteolysen in Betracht gezogen werden. Die arthroskopische subacromiale Dekompression (ASD) ist ein häufig durchgeführtes Verfahren zur Therapie von Subachromialsyndromen. Es sollten die eigenen Ergebnisse seit 1993 unter Berücksichtigung von Nebendiagnosen sowie die Möglichkeit, verschiedene Scores und VAS auch telefonisch erheben zu können, analysiert werden. Die Untersuchung von 422 Schultern zwischen 1,5 und 9,5 Jahren (durchschnittlich 4,8 Jahre) nach der Operation zeigte, dass die ASD mit überwiegend guten und sehr guten subjektiven und objektiven Resultaten (ca. 75%) ein zuverlässiges operatives Verfahren ist. Im Gegensatz zu einem laufenden Rentenverfahren hatten Rupturen der Rotatorenmanschette zum Zeitpunkt der Operation keinen negativen Einfluss auf das Operationsergebnis. Bei Nichtbeachtung der Pathologie des superioren Labrums und bei Rezidivoperation kam es zu einem erhöhten Anteil an Therapieversagern. Die telefonische Erhebung verschiedener Schulter-Scores (ausgenommen Constant-Score) und der VAS lieferte valide Resultate, die eine klinische Untersuchung entbehrlich machen und insbesondere bei Langzeitstudien eine wesentlich höhere Nachuntersuchungsrate ermöglichen. Das Konzept der winkelstabilen Osteosynthese ermöglicht eine weichteilschonende, minimal-invasive Frakturstabilisierung. Um eine sichere Verankerung von winkelstabilen Schrauben zu erreichen, ist eine korrekte Positionierung der Schraube in der Platte erforderlich. In biomechanischen Testungen konnte gezeigt werden, dass bei einer geringen Abweichung des Insertionswinkels winkelstabiler Schrauben von bis zu 5° vom optimalen Winkel immer noch eine hohe Stabilität der Schrauben-/Plattenverbindung gewährleistet war. Ab einem Winkel von über 5° kam es zu einer signifikanten Abnahme der Festigkeit dieser Verbindung. Um eine optimale Festigkeit der Verbindung Schraube/Platte zu erreichen und das Risiko der Schraubenlockerung zu minimieren, ist die konsequente Benutzung eines Zielgerätes zu empfehlen. Die klinische Nachuntersuchung von 53 Patienten mit winkelstabiler Osteosynthese bei proximaler Humerusfraktur zeigte eine mit der Literatur vergleichbare Komplikationsrate bei verringertem sekundären Dislokationsrisiko. Es zeigte sich aber auch die Problematik dieser Fakturen mit langer Nachbehandlungsdauer und dem Risiko einer Humeruskopfnekrose im Verlauf. Winkelstabile Implantate ermöglichten eine sichere Stabilisierung von proximalen Humerusfrakturen, konnten jedoch eine insuffiziente Anwendung - wie eine fehlerhafte Verankerung der Kopfverriegelungsschrauben - nicht kompensieren. Erhöht war das Risiko einer Schraubenperforation durch die Sinterung des Kopfes auf das rigide Implantat. / Goal of the study was evaluation of advantages and limitations of shoulder diagnosis and different techniques of minimal invasive shoulder surgery. MRI has become the standard for diagnosis of rotator cuff lesions, since it can be difficult to obtain standardized ultrasound images. Goal of the study was analysis of sensitivity of 3D- in comparison to 2D-ultrasound. Examination of 114 patients showed excellent visualization of rotor cuff defects with 3D-ultrasound. Comparison to 2D-ultrasound showed no statistical significant difference between both methods for diagnosis of full- and partial thickness defects of the rotator cuff. Advantage of 3D-ultrasound was the possibility of simultaneous visualization of three standardized planes. For the reattachment of ligaments and tendons biodegradable implants are increasingly used today. However, with the use of biodegradable implants early and late osteolysis has been reported. Goal of this study was to analyze the early osseous integration of a newly designed suture anchor in comparison to a titanium implant. The implants made of Poly-(L-co-D/L-lactide) 70/30 or titanium were inserted into the cancellous bone of the distal femoral condyle in four sheep. The animals were followed radiographically over a period of 20 weeks in which no final implant degradation was anticipated. After sacrifice new bone formation was quantitatively and local tissue response qualitatively analyzed from microradiographs and histological sections were examined. New bone formation was seen around both implant materials within 20 weeks. Inside the recess of the polylactide suture anchor there was significantly higher bony ingrowth (p = 0.026) as compared to the titanium implant. Histologically non of the materials did show any inflammatory reaction. These data indicate that early osteolysis around Poly-(L-co-D/L-lactide) 70/30 suture anchors in cancellous bone may not be attributable to the material properties but rather to other reasons such as the mechanical situation at the implant-bone interface. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) has become a well established procedure to treat chronic subacromial impingement syndrome. Goal of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the outcome and to evaluate the validity of data collection by telephone interview. The examination of 422 patients average 4.8 years after peration showed in 75% goog and excellent results. The average Constant score (raw score) improved from 46 to 80 Pts. Patients who had a second ASD had good results in only 25%. Patients with running workers compensation application showed no satisfying outcome. Lesions of the rotator cuff were shown to have no significant influence on the outcome in comparison to patients with intact rotator cuff. Additionally, it was shown that the assessment of various shoulder scores (except Constant Score) by telephone interview is possible. Internal fixators with angular stability have been developed in order to provide high stability without compression of the plate on to the bone. The insertion angle of the screw must correspond precisely to the axis of the screw hole. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the stability of the locked screw-plate on the insertion angle of the screw. Locking screws were inserted in a isolated or combined locking hole with the use of an aiming device. The screws were inserted with an axis deviation of 0°(optimal condition), 5° and 10°. The samples were tested under shear or axial (push out) loading conditions until failure occurred. Locking screws inserted in the isolated locking hole (PC-Fix) showed a significant decrease of failure load if inserted at 5° and 10° angle. Screws inserted in the combined locking hole (LCP) also showed a significant decrease of push-out force of 77% with 10° axis deviation. A locking head screw exhibits a high stability with a moderate axis deviation in the angle of insertion of up to 5°. However there is a significant decrease in stability with increasing axis deviation (>5°). A aiming device is recommended to provide an optimal fixation with angular stability. Clinical Examination of 53 patients with angular stable osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures showed a rate of complications, which can be compared with literature with lower risk of secondary dislocation. Implants with angular stability allow stable fixation of proximal humeral fractures however the risk of screw perforation is higher.

Background: Complex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution remain challenging regarding reduction and stability. In most fracture patterns the hard bone of the bicipital groove remains intact. In this case series, we describe a novel technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis of complex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution. Methods: In randomly chosen shoulder specimens and synthetic bones, pilot studies for evaluation of the feasibility of the technique were performed. Between 4/2010 and 1/2012 10 patients underwent hybrid double plate osteosynthesis. Seven patients (4 male, 3 female, mean age was 50 years (range 27–73)) were available for retrospective analysis. Based on plain radiographs (anterior-posterior and axial view), the fractures were classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification (OTA) and by descriptive means (head-split variant (HS), diaphyseal extension or comminution (DE)). Results: Follow-up radiographs demonstrated complete fracture healing in six patients and one incomplete avascular necrosis. None of the patients sustained loss of reduction. Three patients where reoperated. The medium, not adapted, Constant score was 80 Points (58–94). Patients subjective satisfaction was graded mean 3 (range: 0–6) in the visual analog scoring system (VAS). Conclusion: The technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis using the bicipital groove as anatomic landmark may re-establish shoulder function after complex proximal humerus fractures in two dimensions. Firstly the anatomy is restored due to a proper reduction based on intraoperative landmarks. Secondly additional support by the second plate may provide a higher stability in complex fractures with metaphyseal comminution.

Pre-publication drafts are reproduced with permission and copyright © 2013 of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma [Mutch J, Rouleau DM, Laflamme GY, Hagemeister N. Accurate Measurement of Greater Tuberosity Displacement without Computed Tomography: Validation of a method on Plain Radiography to guide Surgical Treatment. J Orthop Trauma. 2013 Nov 21: Epub ahead of print.] and copyright © 2014 of the British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery [Mutch JAJ, Laflamme GY, Hagemeister N, Cikes A, Rouleau DM. A new morphologic classification for greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus: validation and clinical Implications. Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:In press.] / Les fractures isolées de la Grosse Tubérosité (GT) de l’humerus proximal sont rares et peu étudiées. Trois problèmes importants existent: 1: Même si 5mm + de déplacement supérieur du GT est cité comme indication chirurgicale, les mesures basées sur radiographie peuvent errer de plus que 10mm. 2: Les classifications de Neer et l’AO décrivent seulement un type de fracture de GT (gros fragment, ligne de fracture verticale). Deux autres types de fracture existent: type fracture-avulsion avec petit fragment osseux et type Hill-Sachs très latéral. 3: On manque d’études de pronostic ou de traitement des fractures de GT selon la morphologie. Article 1 montre et évalue une méthode simple de mesurer le déplacement supérieur de la GT (le GT ratio) sur les radiographies standard; ceci corrèle très bien avec tomographie (CT). Article 2 introduit une méthode de classification Morphologique des fractures de GT (Avulsion, Split, Dépression) qui a une fiabilité de bonne à excellente. Les données échographiques, radiologiques, et cliniques de 54 patients porteurs de fracture de GT (suivie moyenne 2.5 années) sont aussi incluses. Les patients <50 ans ont eu plus de déchirures de la coiffe et ceux avec fractures déplacées (≥ 5mm) avaient plus d’atrophie du susépineux. Les déchirures complètes de la coiffe et l’atrophie du susépineux augmentaient l’atteinte permanente. La morphologie des fractures de GT n’a pas eu un impact significatif sur le pronostic. Cependant, l’âge, le sexe, et le taux de luxation glénohumérale étaient différents selon le type de fracture et ceci pourrait refléter la pathophysiologie. Une évaluation plus précise de l’impact de la Morphologie des fractures de GT sur le pronostic et traitement nécessitera une étude prospective multicentrique. / Isolated fractures of the Greater Tuberosity (GT) of the proximal humerus are rare and a challenge to study. Three main problems arise: 1: Though 5mm+ superior GT displacement is often a surgical indication, measurement errors on radiographs may surpass 10mm. 2: The Neer and AO classifications describe only one type of GT fracture (large fragment, vertical fracture line). Two other fracture types have been described: an avulsion-type (small fragment), and a very lateral Hill-Sachs-type. 3: There are no studies on the treatment or prognosis of GT fractures according to fracture morphology. Article 1 introduces and tests a simple method to measure superior GT displacement (the GT ratio) using standard radiographs; this correlates very well with computed tomography (CT). Article 2 presents the Morphologic classification for GT fractures. It describes three fracture types (Avulsion, Split, Depression) and has good to excellent reliability. The ultrasonographic, radiologic, and clinical results of 54 patients (average follow-up 2.5 years) with isolated GT fractures are then described. Patients <50 years had higher rates of rotator cuff tears and displaced (≥ 5mm) GT fractures were associated with supraspinatus atrophy. Both full rotator cuff tears and supraspinatus atrophy resulted in poor outcomes. The impact of fracture morphology on prognosis was not significant. However, age, sex, and associated glenohumeral dislocation differed by fracture type and this may reflect their pathophysiology. A more thorough evaluation of the prognosis and treatment of GT fractures by morphologic type would require a prospective multicenter study.

INTRODUÇÃO: As fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero são frequentes, com incidência crescente no idoso e com impacto na qualidade de vida e na função do ombro. Para os casos com desvio, a placa bloqueada é o método mais utilizado de osteossíntese. Bons resultados clínicos são obtidos tanto com a placa bloqueada como com a haste intramedular bloqueada. O objetivo do estudo foi a comparação desses métodos no tratamento das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero quanto aos resultados clínicos, radiográficos e à taxa de complicações. MÉTODOS: Nesse estudo clínico prospectivo e randomizado, 72 pacientes com fraturas desviadas da extremidade proximal do úmero, classificadas como em 2 ou 3 partes de Neer, foram alocados para receberem osteossíntese com placa bloqueada (36 pacientes - Grupo Placa) ou haste intramedular bloqueada (36 pacientes - Grupo Haste). Os desfechos clínicos foram avaliados aos 3, 6 e 12 meses e incluíram as escalas de Constant e Murley, Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles modificada (UCLA), escala visual analógica de dor (EVA) e o questionário \"Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand\"(DASH) e a amplitude de movimento passiva. Os desfechos radiográficos consistiram na avaliação da consolidação e do ângulo cabeça-diáfise. As complicações foram avaliadas até os 12 meses e incluíram a avaliação do manguito rotador pela ultrassonografia. O desfecho primário do estudo foi a avaliação pela escala de Constant e Murley, aos 12 meses de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e cinco pacientes completaram 12 meses de seguimento, sendo 32 no Grupo Haste e 33 no Grupo Placa. A escala de Constant aos 12 meses foi de 70,3 pontos para o Grupo Haste e de 71,5 pontos para o Grupo Placa (p = 0,750). A escala de Constant Relativa Individual foi de 81% para o Grupo Haste e de 85% para o Grupo Placa (p = 0,400). Também não houve diferença entre os grupos aos 3 e 6 meses para a escala de Constant. A escala EVA e o questionário DASH também não apresentaram diferença aos 3, 6 e 12 meses, assim como os resultados radiográficos. A escala UCLA apresentou diferença de 4,0 pontos aos 3 meses, com melhores resultados para o Grupo Haste (p = 0,005), mas sem diferença significante aos 6 e 12 meses. A amplitude de movimento apresentou diferença de 2,1 pontos favorável ao Grupo Haste para a rotação medial aos 6 meses (p = 0,042), sem diferença para os demais planos de movimento nos diferentes momentos de avaliação. Foram registradas 38 complicações, sendo 28 no Grupo Haste e 10 no Grupo Placa, com diferença estatística (p = 0,001). As complicações ocorreram em 18 pacientes, sendo 11 (34%) do Grupo Haste e sete (21%) do Grupo Placa, sem diferença estatística (p = 0,137). CONCLUSÕES: A osteossíntese das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero com placa bloqueada ou haste intramedular bloqueada produziram resultados clínicos e radiográficos semelhantes. A fixação com haste intramedular bloqueada apresentou maior taxa de complicações e reoperações / INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the proximal humerus are common, with an increasing incidence in the elderly and with a high impact on quality of life and shoulder function. For displaced fractures, the locking plate is the most used method of osteosynthesis. Studies have shown good clinical results with the use of locking plates, but also with the fixation with locking intramedullary nail. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes, radiographic results and the complications between these two methods in patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, 72 patients with displaced fractures of the proximal humerus, classified as Neer 2- or 3-part, were randomly assigned to receive osteosynthesis with either locking plate (36 patients - Plate Group) or locking intramedullary nail (36 patients - Nail Group). The clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months and included the Constant and Murley, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) and the passive range of motion. Radiographic findings (consolidation and head shaft angle) and complications, which included the evaluation of rotator cuff by ultrasound, were also evaluated. The primary outcome was the Constant and Murley score at 12 months. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients completed 12 months of follow-up, 32 in the Nail Group and 33 in the Plate Group. The mean Constant score at 12 months was 70.3 points for the Nail Group and 71.5 points for the Plate Group (p = 0.750) and the mean Relative Constant score was 81% for the Nail Group and 85% points for the Plate Group (p = 0.400). There was also no difference at 3 and 6 months for the Constant score. VAS, DASH and radiographic findings also did not differ at 3, 6 and 12 months. Range of motion showed a 2.1 points difference in favor of the Nail Group for medial rotation at 6 months (p = 0.042), with no difference for the other motions at 3, 6 and 12 months. The UCLA score presented a difference of 4.0 points at 3 months, with better results for the Nail Group (p = 0.005), but no significant difference at 6 and 12 months. Thirty-eight complications were recorded, 28 in the Nail Group and 10 in the Plate Group, with significant difference (p = 0.001). Complications occurred in 18 patients, 11 (34%) of the Nail Group and seven (21%) of the Plate Group, with no significant difference (p = 0.137). CONCLUSIONS: Locking plates and locking intramedullary nail yielded similar clinical and radiographic results. Locking intramedullary nail fixation has a higher risk for complications and reoperations

INTRODUÇÃO: As fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero são frequentes, com incidência crescente no idoso e com impacto na qualidade de vida e na função do ombro. Para os casos com desvio, a placa bloqueada é o método mais utilizado de osteossíntese. Bons resultados clínicos são obtidos tanto com a placa bloqueada como com a haste intramedular bloqueada. O objetivo do estudo foi a comparação desses métodos no tratamento das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero quanto aos resultados clínicos, radiográficos e à taxa de complicações. MÉTODOS: Nesse estudo clínico prospectivo e randomizado, 72 pacientes com fraturas desviadas da extremidade proximal do úmero, classificadas como em 2 ou 3 partes de Neer, foram alocados para receberem osteossíntese com placa bloqueada (36 pacientes - Grupo Placa) ou haste intramedular bloqueada (36 pacientes - Grupo Haste). Os desfechos clínicos foram avaliados aos 3, 6 e 12 meses e incluíram as escalas de Constant e Murley, Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles modificada (UCLA), escala visual analógica de dor (EVA) e o questionário \"Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand\"(DASH) e a amplitude de movimento passiva. Os desfechos radiográficos consistiram na avaliação da consolidação e do ângulo cabeça-diáfise. As complicações foram avaliadas até os 12 meses e incluíram a avaliação do manguito rotador pela ultrassonografia. O desfecho primário do estudo foi a avaliação pela escala de Constant e Murley, aos 12 meses de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e cinco pacientes completaram 12 meses de seguimento, sendo 32 no Grupo Haste e 33 no Grupo Placa. A escala de Constant aos 12 meses foi de 70,3 pontos para o Grupo Haste e de 71,5 pontos para o Grupo Placa (p = 0,750). A escala de Constant Relativa Individual foi de 81% para o Grupo Haste e de 85% para o Grupo Placa (p = 0,400). Também não houve diferença entre os grupos aos 3 e 6 meses para a escala de Constant. A escala EVA e o questionário DASH também não apresentaram diferença aos 3, 6 e 12 meses, assim como os resultados radiográficos. A escala UCLA apresentou diferença de 4,0 pontos aos 3 meses, com melhores resultados para o Grupo Haste (p = 0,005), mas sem diferença significante aos 6 e 12 meses. A amplitude de movimento apresentou diferença de 2,1 pontos favorável ao Grupo Haste para a rotação medial aos 6 meses (p = 0,042), sem diferença para os demais planos de movimento nos diferentes momentos de avaliação. Foram registradas 38 complicações, sendo 28 no Grupo Haste e 10 no Grupo Placa, com diferença estatística (p = 0,001). As complicações ocorreram em 18 pacientes, sendo 11 (34%) do Grupo Haste e sete (21%) do Grupo Placa, sem diferença estatística (p = 0,137). CONCLUSÕES: A osteossíntese das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero com placa bloqueada ou haste intramedular bloqueada produziram resultados clínicos e radiográficos semelhantes. A fixação com haste intramedular bloqueada apresentou maior taxa de complicações e reoperações / INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the proximal humerus are common, with an increasing incidence in the elderly and with a high impact on quality of life and shoulder function. For displaced fractures, the locking plate is the most used method of osteosynthesis. Studies have shown good clinical results with the use of locking plates, but also with the fixation with locking intramedullary nail. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes, radiographic results and the complications between these two methods in patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, 72 patients with displaced fractures of the proximal humerus, classified as Neer 2- or 3-part, were randomly assigned to receive osteosynthesis with either locking plate (36 patients - Plate Group) or locking intramedullary nail (36 patients - Nail Group). The clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months and included the Constant and Murley, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) and the passive range of motion. Radiographic findings (consolidation and head shaft angle) and complications, which included the evaluation of rotator cuff by ultrasound, were also evaluated. The primary outcome was the Constant and Murley score at 12 months. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients completed 12 months of follow-up, 32 in the Nail Group and 33 in the Plate Group. The mean Constant score at 12 months was 70.3 points for the Nail Group and 71.5 points for the Plate Group (p = 0.750) and the mean Relative Constant score was 81% for the Nail Group and 85% points for the Plate Group (p = 0.400). There was also no difference at 3 and 6 months for the Constant score. VAS, DASH and radiographic findings also did not differ at 3, 6 and 12 months. Range of motion showed a 2.1 points difference in favor of the Nail Group for medial rotation at 6 months (p = 0.042), with no difference for the other motions at 3, 6 and 12 months. The UCLA score presented a difference of 4.0 points at 3 months, with better results for the Nail Group (p = 0.005), but no significant difference at 6 and 12 months. Thirty-eight complications were recorded, 28 in the Nail Group and 10 in the Plate Group, with significant difference (p = 0.001). Complications occurred in 18 patients, 11 (34%) of the Nail Group and seven (21%) of the Plate Group, with no significant difference (p = 0.137). CONCLUSIONS: Locking plates and locking intramedullary nail yielded similar clinical and radiographic results. Locking intramedullary nail fixation has a higher risk for complications and reoperations