title: Minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis for proximal humeral shaft fractures with the PHILOS through the deltopectoral approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and complications following minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) for treating proximal humeral shaft fracture through the deltopectoral approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between November 2008 and March 2010, 74 patients with unilateral proximal humeral shaft fractures were treated using the MIPO technique with the PHILOS through the deltopectoral approach. Patients received an average follow-up of 16.9 (range, 12-24) months, and the final follow-up included anteroposterior and lateral imaging and recording of postoperative complications. The Constant-Murley shoulder score was used to evaluate function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative complications included subacromial impingement in four patients. There was no deep infection, neurovascular damage, breakage or implant loosening. All fractures united in an average time of 17.4 (15-25) weeks. In terms of function, the Constant-Murley score was 85.8 points on average (range, 67-100). The range of motion of the involved shoulder was satisfactory, and pain-free in 83.8 % of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using the MIPO technique with the PHILOS through the deltopectoral approach is a valid and safe method of treating proximal humeral shaft fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China.
authors.forename: Zu-Bin
authors.initials: ZB
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: You-Shui
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Ming-Jie
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Yu-Qiang
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Chang-Qing
authors.initials: CQ
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D053587:Arthrometry, Articular; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome