Reduction and fixation of proximal humeral fracture with severe medial instability using a small locking plate

BACKGROUND: Currently, the reduction and support of comminuted medial cortex of humeral fracture remains a challenge, Therefore, a novel reduction and fixation technique that employs an anteromedial small locking plate was explored in this study, and its viability and the associated complications were assessed. METHODS: Fifteen cases of proximal humeral fractures with medial instability (five cases were classified as three-part and ten as four-part by Neer classification) were treated by the proposed reduction technique using an anteromedial small locking plate. Subsequently, the radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated over an average follow-up period of 18.53 months. RESULTS: The average operation time was 108 min (range, 70–130 min), and the mean fracture union time in all patients was 12.13 weeks (range, 8–16 weeks). Complications such as infection and neurovascular injury were not observed. Postoperative X-ray showed avascular necrosis and screw penetration in one patient, while screw penetration, varus malunion, or significant reduction loss was not found in the other cases. The mean Constant score was 79.8 (range, 68–92) during the final visit. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an anteromedial small locking plate improved the reduction efficiency, reconstructed the medial support, and alleviated the occurrence of complications in proximal humeral fractures with medial instability.