title: Can the osteosynthesis with locking plates be a better treatment for unstable fractures of the proximal humerus?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to review our experience with proximal humeral locking plates, including complications, functional outcomes, strength recovery and predictors of successful treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy unstable proximal humeral fractures were treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with the use of locking proximal humerus plate. At an average follow-up of 31 months, the clinical and subjective outcomes were evaluated, and complication was analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average Constant score was 72. The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 23. The average range of motion was as follows: mean range of anterior elevation and abduction 120°-150°; external rotation in abduction 64° and in adduction 44°; and internal rotation T12.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  On the basis of the overall functional and clinical outcome obtained, it is possible to suggest that the ORIF of the proximal humerus fractures using locking plate represents a helpful option that can lead to a good clinical and functional outcome even in the most complex fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Science, Section of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Functional Rehabilitation, U.O. Clinica Ortopedica, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14-43100, Parma, Italy, micheleverdano@hotmail.it.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Verdano
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lunini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pellegrini
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Corsini
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marenghi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ceccarelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome