[T-plate osteosynthesis--an obsolete osteosynthesis procedure for proximal humeral fractures? Middle-term clinical and radiological results].
OBJECTIVE
The present clinical trial was performed to assess the clinical and radiological outcome after operative treatment of proximal humeral fractures using the T-plate.


METHODS
All patients who were treated with the T-plate were included into the study. Patient satisfaction,complications and radiological findings were assessed. The clinical results were evaluated using the Constant-Murley score, the UCLA score, and the DASH score. Between December 1996 and October 2003, 74 patients (with 76 fractures)were treated with the T-plate. Surgically treated complications were 2 hematomas and 3 failures of the osteosynthesis under functional physiotherapy. In 19 patients the implants were removed because of persisting complaints.


RESULTS
After an average follow-up period of 67 months 52 patients (54 fractures) were examined. According to the Neer classification there were 34 2-part, 15 3-part and 5 4-part fractures.80% of the patients were satisfied with the result. According to the evaluated scores, 74 to 89% of the patients had an excellent to satisfactory outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The T-plate enables the stable fixation of complex proximal humeral fractures and permits even in the elderly patient an early functional treatment. Anatomical reconstruction and stable fixation followed by early rehabilitation are most important to achieve a good functional outcome in the patient.
Bahrs
C
C
Klinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, BG-Unfallklinik Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen. c.bahrs@gmx.de
Oehm
J
J
Rolauffs
B
B
Eingartner
C
C
Weise
K
K
Dietz
K
K
Helwig
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome