Internal fixation of shaft humerus fractures by dynamic compression plate or interlocking intramedullary nail: a prospective,randomised study

Compare the results of internal fixation of shaft of humerus fractures using dynamic compression plating (DCP) or antegrade interlocking intramedullary nail (IMN). Fifty patients with diaphyseal fracture of the shaft of the humerus and fulfilling the inclusion criterion were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Twenty-five patients were managed with closed antegrade interlocking intramedullary nail, and 25 underwent open reduction and internal fixation using dynamic compression plating. The mean age of patients with IMN fixation was 37.28 years (SD 12.26) and 37.72 years (SD 12.70) for those who underwent plating. Road traffic accident was the most common mode of injury in both groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to duration of hospital stay, operative time and blood loss. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of union or complications. The functional assessment at the end of 1 year between the two groups did not show any significant difference in outcome. Antegrade interlocking IMN and DCP fixation are comparable when managing diaphyseal shaft of humerus fractures with respect to union rates and complications. Although shoulder related complications are more in the IMN group, however, it is associated with shorter hospital stay, lesser operative time and less blood loss. This makes interlocking IMN an effective option in managing these fractures.     

Fixation of fractures of the shaft of the humerus by dynamic compression plate or intramedullary nail. A prospective, randomised trial

We randomised prospectively 44 patients with fractures of the shaft of the humerus to open reduction and internal fixation by either an intramedullary nail (IMN) or a dynamic compression plate (DCP). Patients were followed up for a minimum of six months. There were no significant differences in the function of the shoulder and elbow, as determined by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' score, the visual analogue pain score, range of movement, or the time taken to return to normal activity. There was a single case of shoulder impingement in the DCP group and six in the IMN group. Of these six, five occurred after antegrade insertion of an IMN. In the DCP group three patients developed complications, compared with 13 in the IMN group. We had to perform secondary surgery on seven patients in the IMN group, but on only one in the DCP group (p = 0.016). Our findings suggest that open reduction and internal fixation with a DCP remains the best treatment for unstable fractures of the shaft of the humerus. Fixation by IMN may be indicated for specific situations, but is technically more demanding and has a higher rate of complications.     

Internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures with the polarus intramedullary nail

The optimal treatment method for displaced proximal humeral fractures continues to be under debate. There are a variety of fixation techniques, none of which has been proven to be more effective. We retrospectively studied 24 patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures, treated with the Polarus intramedullary nail. All patients were followed radiographically and clinically for one year. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Constant score. All fractures went on to clinical and radiographic union. Mean time to union was 9.2 weeks (range: 9-16). Only one patient with a 3-part fracture had an asymptomatic malunion and one patient had iatrogenic radial nerve palsy, which spontaneously recovered. In total, 83.3% of the patients had an excellent or good clinical outcome. The Polarus nail appeared in this study as an effective device to treat proximal humeral fractures, with good overall functional results and a low complication rate.     

髓内髓外固定治疗肱骨干骨折的疗效

目的评估髓内髓外固定治疗肱骨干骨折的肩关节功能和术后并发症。方法对35例肱骨干骨折患者分别应用闭合复位髓内钉技术(髓内钉组,16例)和切开复位钢板螺钉固定(钢板组,19例)治疗。比较两组术后关节功能和并发症。结果患者均获随访,时间24～40(32.7±5)个月。骨折愈合时间8～32(11.9±4)周。出血量:髓内钉组40～80(60±20)ml,钢板组140～240(200±22)ml。钢板组发生伤口浅表感染1例;髓内钉组发生桡神经损伤2例,骨不连1例,再次骨折1例。肩关节功能:术后2～4周钢板组明显优于髓内钉组(P<0.05),术后6周两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论闭合复位髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折创伤小、出血少,但容易造成肩袖和关节囊的损伤,近期肩关节活动不如切开复位钢板螺钉固定。     

Operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Comparison of plating and intramedullary nailing

Plate and screw fixation (PSF) has always been the more common surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures. However, intramedullary nailing (IMN) of the humerus has gained in popularity over the last two decades. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of plate fixation versus intramedullary nailing of midshaft humeral fractures. The study included 91 patients treated at the department of Trauma Surgery of the University hospital of Leuven; 42 fractures had been treated by plate fixation and 49 by IM nailing. Union, functional outcome, possible complications and the need for additional surgery were compared between the IMN and PSF group. No significant difference in terms of fracture union and functional recovery was noted between the two groups. There were four cases of postoperative radial nerve palsy in the PSF group, versus two in the IMN group (non significant difference). A significantly larger number of patients with restrictive pain and/or functional hindrance in the shoulder or elbow was noted in the IMN group (p = 0.0053). Problems with osteosynthesis material occurred as often in the PSF group as in the IMN group. One patient developed wound infection at the shoulder after antegrade nailing. A significantly larger number of complications was seen in the IMN group than in the PSF group (p = 0.05). A reoperation was necessary in 143% of the PSF patients and 163% of the IMN patients (non significant difference). In this retrospective study, IMN did not achieve better results than PSF of humeral midshaft fractures and was associated with more postoperative complications. Based on these findings, we suggest that plating of humeral shaft fractures should be considered as the primary treatment for all surgical indications, except for some open fractures requiring temporary external fixation, pathological fractures, humeral shaft fractures in morbidly obese and osteopenic patients, and large segmental fractures of the humerus.     

Treatment of non-union of humerus diaphyseal fractures: a prospective study comparing interlocking nail and locking compression plate

Background

The aim of this prospective comparative study was to compare outcomes and complications of humeral diaphyseal fracture non-unions managed with humerus interlocking nail (HIL) and locking compression plate (LCP).

Materials and methods

40 patients with non-union of humeral diaphyseal fractures were included in this study and were randomly allocated in two groups; group A had 20 cases treated with HIL and group B had 20 cases treated with LCP. Clinico-radiological assessments were done for each case up to 2-year follow-up period. Primary outcome measures (time to fracture union, union rate) and secondary outcome measures (functional outcome and complication such as infection, malunion, delayed union, implant failure, joint stiffness and iatrogenic radial nerve palsy) were compared between both the groups. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scoring and Steward and Hundley’s scoring system were used to assess functional outcome of the fracture fixation.

Results

There was no significant difference (p = 0.12) in terms of mean fracture union time between group A (15.8 ± 4.2 weeks) and group B (17.2 ± 3.8 weeks). Group A had 95 % union rate and group B had 100 % union rate (p = 0.14). At the 2-year follow-up visit, there was no significant difference found between both the groups regarding range of motion of shoulder and elbow joint. There was no significant difference found in final functional outcomes between both the groups on comparing DASH score (p = 0.14) and Steward and Hundley’s score (p = 0.08). In terms of complications, there was insignificant difference found between both the groups.

Conclusions

This study concludes that both the implants can be used in non-union of humeral shaft fractures with good functional outcomes and acceptable rate of complications.     

Locking compression plates for osteoporotic nonunions of the diaphyseal humerus

Poor bone quality increases the technical difficulty and complications of operative treatment of nonunions and delayed unions of the diaphyseal humerus in older patients. Plates with screws that lock to the plate (transforming each screw into a fixed blade) are intended to improve the fixation of poor quality bone. Twenty-four patients (20 women, four men) with an average age of 72 years (range, 52-86 years) were followed up for a minimum of 12 months after locking compression plate fixation of an osteopenic delayed union (nine patients) or nonunion (15 patients) of the diaphyseal humerus. Twelve patients had iliac crest cancellous bone grafts, two patients had local graft, and 13 patients had demineralized bone applied to the fracture site. All the fractures eventually healed; two healed after a second procedure for autogenous bone grafting in patients who initially received demineralized bone. Using a modification of the Constant and Murley shoulder score, the results were good or excellent in 22 patients, and fair in two patients. Locking compression plates provide stable fixation of poor quality bone in patients with delayed union or nonunion of the humerus. Successful union and restoration of function are achieved in most patients. We no longer consider osteoporosis a contraindication to operative fixation of an ununited fracture of the humeral diaphysis.     

Orange city tapping nail: An innovative implant for humeral diaphyseal fractures

BackgroundWe have conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness of Orange City tapping nail in humeral diaphyseal fractures in terms of radiological union, shoulder function and complications. It’s a pilot study with the new implant “Orange City tapping nail” developed at our institute.Materials and methodsThirty patients with humeral diaphyseal fractures were treated with Orange City tapping nail through antegrade nailing procedure. The cases were followed up prospectively for a period of minimum six months. Outcome of the procedure were assessed according to American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, radiological union, complications and secondary procedures required.ResultsTwenty eight (93.33%) fractures united with an average consolidation time of 15.75 weeks. Two patients had nonunion. Functional outcome was excellent to good in 24 (80%) patients. One (3.33%) case had infection with Orange City tapping nail.ConclusionResults of Orange City tapping nail were excellent to good for humeral diaphyseal fractures in terms of union, shoulder function and complications. It is a safe, easy and reliable method for the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures. Postoperative shoulder stiffness and impingement depends on operative technique and postoperative rehabilitation. We need a larger comparative study with conventional antegrade nail to evaluate the effectiveness of the implant.     

Nonunion after functional brace treatment of diaphyseal humerus fractures

OBJECTIVE: To assess which fractures of the humeral diaphysis are prone to nonunion after functional bracing by analyzing patients that present for treatment of nonunion after brace treatment. METHODS: Thirty-two patients treated operatively for a nonunion of the diaphyseal humerus after functional brace treatment were analyzed with respect to the location and the pattern of the original fracture. There were 21 women and 11 men with an average age of 53 years (range 23-84 years). RESULTS: The fracture involved the proximal third of the diaphysis in 17 patients, the middle third in 14 patients, and the distal third in 1 patient. The pattern of the fracture was oblique or spiral in 27 patients with a butterfly fragment in 11 of those patients. Only four patients had a transverse fracture. Operative fixation ultimately achieved union in all 32 patients, but a second procedure was necessary for loosening of fixation or persistent nonunion in 3 older-aged patients. The functional results were good or excellent in all 32 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the epidemiology of acute diaphyseal humerus fractures, nonunions after functional bracing are more likely to follow spiral/oblique fractures that involve the mid- or proximal-third of the diaphysis. Operative treatment can gain union and improve arm function.     

Metastatic diaphyseal fractures of the shaft of the humerus. The structural strength evaluation of a new method of treatment with a segmental defect prosthesis

The surgical treatment of extensive metastatic diaphyseal lesions of the humerus with pathologic fractures is difficult. Patients with failed internal fixation often have large segments of bone loss. Rigid fixation often is not possible in these cases. Four patients were treated with a titanium segmental defect (SD) prosthesis with good clinical results. A comparative in vitro analysis of fixation with the SD prosthesis, a Rush rod, and a dynamic compression plate (DCP) augmented with methylmethacrylate was performed. The SD prosthesis performed better than the Rush rod and DCP in both the nondestructive four-point bending test and the destructive torsional test. The reconstructed humeri using the SD prosthesis had a torsional strength approaching that of an intact specimen. Hence, the SD prosthesis is a useful adjunct device in treating patients with extensive destructive lesions of the humerus secondary to metastatic disease and hematologic malignancies and in patients with malignant diseases who have had failed attempts at internal fixation.     

Internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures using the Polarus intramedullary nail

INTRODUCTION: It has been stated that proximal humeral fractures are the last unsolved fractures in orthopedics. In this study, we evaluate the results of the Polarus nail, in order to constitute to the controversial problem of the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2003 and 2005, 27 patients with severely displaced proximal humeral fractures were treated with the Polarus intramedullary system. The fractures were classified according to the Neer classification system. There were 16 2-part fractures and 11 3-part fractures. At the 12-months follow up we graded the clinical outcome of the patients according to the Neer scoring system. RESULTS: The duration from time of injury to operation ranged from 1 to 6 days. The mean operative time was 55 min and no need of blood transfusion was recorded. Bony union was obtained in 27 patients. There were no cases of nonunion and the period from operation to the appearance of sufficient bridging callus on radiographs was 5-11 weeks (mean 6 weeks). In one patient, a backed-out proximal screw was recorded. Stiffness of the shoulder was seen in one patient and avascular necrosis of the head of humerus in another. Related to the clinical outcome, six patients had an excellent result, 15 patients had a satisfactory result, four patients had an unsatisfactory result, and two patients had a poor result. The 77.78% of the patients had an excellent or satisfactory clinical outcome. There was significant difference in the functional outcome between patients younger than 65 years (91.55) and those older than 65 years (80.22) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was recorded in the Neer score between the patients with a 2-part fracture and the patients with a 3-part fracture (80.18) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Polarus nail is designed to provide stable fixation with a straightforward insertion and targeting procedure. The fact that 77.78% of the patients had an excellent or satisfactory clinical outcome, suggest that Polarus humeral rod system can be a worthy alternative to traditional operative methods for displaced proximal fractures of the humerus.     

Mid term results of PlantTan plate in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures

This prospective study evaluates the clinical efficacy of a special implant, PlantTan plate used for fixation of displaced proximal humerus fractures. The PlantTan plate was used for internal fixation of closed displaced proximal humeral fractures in 68 patients from September 1999 to June 2002, in a University Hospital. One of the surgeries was for a non-union, and five patients were lost to follow-up. The patients' ages ranged from 19 to 76 years (mean 61 years and median 66 years). Of the remaining 62 patients, 42 were female and 20 were male. As defined using the Neer classification 19 patients had two part, 37 three part and 6 had four part fractures. Median follow-up was 19 months (11-38). The outcome was assessed using radiographs, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scoring system. Fifty-two patients achieved union in a median of 8 weeks. The median cumulative score of activities of daily living of ASES was 20.4/30 (13-27). According to HSS, 11 scored excellent, 26 good, 14 fair and 11 scored poor. Eight patients had fixation failure and two developed avascular necrosis. Eleven patients developed an infection. Six patients developed an infection resulting in implant removal. One had a transient and one permanent axillary nerve palsy. Since the PlantTan plate provides stability, early active rehabilitation can be instituted. The implant is distally placed reducing impingement symptoms. However, the implant requires wide surgical exposure, is bulky and has an unacceptable infection rate. The fixation failure is high in patients with osteoporosis. In view of the above encountered problems, the implant has been discontinued in our hospital.     

Second generation locked plating for complex proximal humerus fractures in very elderly patients

ObjectivesHumeral head sacrificing procedures are more favored in elderly patients with complex proximal humerus fractures because of high incidence of failures and complications with osteosynthesis. The purpose of this study is to assess the outcome of second generation locked plating techniques in 3 and 4 part fractures in active elderly patients >70 years with an emphasis on function and complications.Materials and methods29 patients with displaced 3 and 4 part proximal humerus fractures were treated using the principles of second-generation proximal humerus locked plating. Fixed angle locked plating (PHILOS) using the anterolateral deltoid spilt approach augmented with traction cuff sutures was performed. Minimum of 7 locking head screws including 2 calcar screws were used. In cases with a comminuted medial calcar, an endosteal fibular strut was used. Subchondral metaphyseal bone voids were filled with injectable calcium phosphate cement. Radiological outcome (union, head – shaft angle, tuberosity reduction), functional outcome assessment (Constant and ASES scores) and complications (loss of reduction, nonunion and osteonecrosis) were assessed.ResultsThe fracture united in 24 of the 26 patients available for follow up at a mean of 27 months (12–40 months). 3 patients developed complications that required arthroplasty (fixation failure in 2 patients and osteonecrosis in 1 patient). Follow up age adjusted Constant (63.1 ± 11.9) and ASES scores (62.58 ± 7.5) showed the extent of functional improvement post surgery. Patients with fractures having a non-comminuted medial calcar and valgus displacement of the humeral head had better functional scores and fewer complications.ConclusionOsteosynthesis with second generation locked plating techniques provide satisfactory outcome in very elderly patients with complex proximal humerus fractures with minimal complications.     

New intramedullary nail for the surgical neck fracture of the proximal humerus in elderly patients

Background Fractures of the proximal humerus are common and the repair of displaced fractures generally requires an operative approach. In elderly patients, osteoporosis makes internal fixation problematic and frequently contributes to failed fixation and poor clinical results. We have developed a new intramedullary nail (pin lock nail) for the repair of surgical neck fractures of the proximal humerus in patients with osteoporotic bones. A retrospective review is presented of the cases of 19 elderly patients with two-part or three-part fractures of the proximal humerus treated using the pin lock nail. Methods We treated 19 elderly patients with a mean age of 70.5 years. There were 13 two-part surgical neck fractures, 3 two-part surgical neck fractures with non-displaced greater tuberosity fracture, and 3 three-part surgical neck fractures with greater tuberosity fracture. All fractures were treated using the pin lock nail. Clinical results were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score at the last follow-up examination. On radiographic evaluation, duration to bone union of the fracture, backing out of the pin and screw, penetration of the proximal pin, and varus angulations of the humeral neck were examined. Results Mean duration of follow-up was 14 months (range 6–54 months). All fractures had united at an average of 3.3 months after surgery. No backing out of the pin and screw or penetration of the proximal locking pin was seen at the time of last follow-up. Thirteen of the 16 patients had no or minimal varus angulations of the humeral neck (≤10°). The mean overall JOA score was 84.3 points (range 65.5–100). Conclusions Our data show that using the pin lock nail for the treatment of two-part and three-part humeral fractures is a reliable procedure, providing good results with careful postoperative management.     

经后侧入路双钢板内固定治疗肱骨干下1/3粉碎性骨折

目的探讨经后侧入路双钢板内固定治疗肱骨干下1/3粉碎性骨折的疗效。方法对31例肱骨干下1/3粉碎性骨折患者采用经后侧入路双钢板内固定术治疗;观察骨折愈合及肘关节功能恢复情况。结果 31例均获随访,时间7~23(11.5±5.2)个月。骨折均愈合,时间12~32(16.5±4.5)周。发生骨化性肌炎1例。末次随访时肘关节功能按Mayo评分标准评定:优20例,良9例,可2例。结论后侧入路安全简便、显露清晰,更适合对肱骨干下1/3段粉碎性骨折的治疗;双钢板可提供早期的坚强固定,利于肘关节功能恢复和骨折愈合。     

Treating multifocal humerus fractures: A comparison between the mipo technique and intramedullary nailing

Introduction and objectiveProximal humerus fractures with metaphysodiaphyseal extension represent a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon due to their reduced incidence and the difficulty in the treatment decision. These can be treated with an intramedullary nail or using the MIPO technique, associating different advantages and complications depending on the procedure. The objective of this study was to compare metaphyseal-diaphyseal fractures of the humerus treated with antegrade intramedullary nailing and those operated using the MIPO technique to see if there were significant differences in terms of functional, clinical, and radiological results.Material and methodsretrospective, analytical and unicentric review of 29 patients with proximal fracture with metaphyseal-diaphyseal extension treated by MIPO technique and 33 patients surgically treated by antegrade intramedullary nailing (IMN) in our hospital from 2014 to 2020. Demographic, functional, radiographic and clinical data were obtained..ResultsNo significant differences were observed between both groups in terms of fracture mechanism (p=0.34), fracture type (p=0.13) or Maresca classification (p=0.32). Surgical time was significantly shorter in the IMN group compared to the MIPO technique (p=0.014). No significant difference was observed regarding the need for blood transfusion (p=0.32). The mean consolidation in the MIPO group was 21 weeks compared to 21 weeks in the IMN, with no significant differences between both groups (p= 0.88). No significant differences were observed between CONSTANT test at one year in the MIPO group versus the IMN group (p=0.79), nor in radial nerve palsies (p=0.28).ConclusionsProximal fractures with metaphyseal-diaphyseal extension are a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon due to the infrequency, the complexity of these fractures and the fact that there is no established consensus on the ideal treatment for this type of injury. Both the MIPO technique with the Philos plate and the intramedullary nail are valid options for the treatment of these fractures, with no differences observed in terms of fracture consolidation time or in terms of functional results.     

The management of segmental tibial shaft fractures: A systematic review

IntroductionSegmental tibial fractures are complex injuries associated with significant soft tissue damage that are difficult to treat. This study aimed to identify the most effective method of treating segmental tibial fractures.MethodA PRISMA compliant systematic review was conducted. Studies investigating the management of segmental tibial fractures with intramedullary nail fixation (IMN), open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or circular external fixation (CEF) were included for review. The primary outcome measure was time to fracture union. Secondary outcomes were complications and functional outcome. A narrative analysis was undertaken as meta-analysis was inappropriate due to heterogeneity of the data.ResultsThirteen studies were eligible and included. No randomised controlled trials were identified. Fixation with an intramedullary nail provided the fastest time to union, followed by open reduction and internal fixation and then CEF. The rate of deep infection was highest after IMN (5/162 [3%]), followed by open reduction and internal fixation (2/78 [2.5%]) and CEF (1/54 [2%]). However, some studies reported particularly high rates of infection following IMN for open segmental tibial fractures. There was limited reporting of postoperative deformities. From the studies that did include such data, there was a higher rate of deformity following ORIF (8/53 [15%]), compared to IMN (13/138 [9%]), and CEF (4/44 [9%]). Three studies, not including IMN, described patient reported outcome measures with results ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘fair’.DiscussionThe available evidence was of poor quality, dominated by retrospective case series. This prevented statistical analysis, and precludes firm conclusions being drawn from the results available.ConclusionIMN has the fastest time to fracture union, however there are concerns regarding an increased deep infection rate in open segmental tibial fractures. In this subgroup, the data suggests CEF provides the most satisfactory results. However, the available literature does not provide sufficient detail to make this statement with certainty. We recommend a randomised controlled study to further investigate this challenging problem.     

Complications after titanium elastic nailing of pediatric tibial fractures

A retrospective review of 60 diaphyseal tibia fractures (31 closed and 29 open fractures) treated with flexible intramedullary fixation was conducted. All charts and radiographs were reviewed. Children ranged in age from 5.1 to 17 years. Fifty patients with 51 fractures were followed up until union and comprised the study group. The mean follow-up period for these 50 patients was 79 weeks. Forty-five fractures achieved bony union within 18 weeks (mean, 8 weeks). Five patients (11%) had delayed healing (3 had delayed unions that ultimately healed with casting or observation, and 2 had nonunions that required secondary procedures to achieve union [1 patient underwent a fibular osteotomy, and 1 underwent exchange nailing with a reamed tibial nail]). These 5 fractures ultimately healed, with a mean time to union of 41 weeks. Patients with delayed healing tended to be older (mean age, 14.1 years) versus the study population as a whole (mean age, 11.7 years). In addition to delayed union, other complications were observed in the study population. One patient healed with malunion (13-degree valgus), requiring corrective osteotomy. One patient with a grade II open fracture was diagnosed with osteomyelitis at the fracture site after attaining bony union. Two patients developed nail migration through the skin, requiring modification or nail removal.The fixation of pediatric diaphyseal tibia fractures with titanium elastic nails is effective but has a substantial rate of delayed healing, particularly in older patients.     

肱骨髁间C3型骨折的手术治疗

目的探讨经肱三头肌双侧入路治疗肱骨髁间C3型骨折的效果。方法采用经肱三头肌双侧入路结合尺骨鹰嘴附着点局部纵向切开显露、双钢板内固定治疗33例肱骨髁间C3型骨折患者。结果 33例均获随访,时间12～18个月。骨折愈合时间3～6个月。按Cassebaum评分标准评价肘关节功能:优10例,良16例,可5例,差2例,优良率为78.9%。结论经肱三头肌双侧入路结合其肘后鹰嘴附着点局部纵向切开,有效显露肱骨髁间C3型骨折、双钢板内固定,术后个体化早期主动功能锻炼,可促进肘关节功能恢复。     

锁定钢板治疗Neer 3、4部分肱骨近端骨折的病例对照研究

目的：比较运用锁定钢板治疗Neer 3、4部分肱骨近端骨折的疗效。方法：自2009年1月至2011年6月,采用锁定钢板治疗64例Neer 3、4部分肱骨近端骨折。3部分骨折组39例,男16例,女23例;平均年龄（55.12±12.52）岁。4部分骨折组25例,男9例,女16例;平均年龄（57.92±13.14）岁。随访根据美国肩肘外科医师评分（American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score,ASES）评估患者肩关节功能,采用视觉模拟评分法（visual analogue scale,VAS）进行疼痛评分,并评价相关并发症。结果：术后患者切口均I期愈合。64例均获随访,时间12～30个月,平均16.5个月。末次随访时,ASES评分3部分骨折（76.14±14.10）分,4部分骨折（65.93±11.82）分;VAS评分分别为2.12±1.63和3.90±2.21,以上指标两组比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）.并发症发生率分别为20.51%和36.00%,差异无统计学意义。结论：锁定钢板治疗肱骨近端3部分骨折的疗效优于4部分骨折,术中需争取解剖复位、稳定固定、选择合适长度的螺钉及钢板位置,术后合理功能锻炼以获得良好的疗效。