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Second generation locked plating of proximal humerus fractures—A prospective multicentre observational study

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Abstract

Surgical treatment of most displaced proximal humerus fractures is challenging due to osteoporosis. Locking plates are intended to provide superior mechanical stability. In a prospective multicentre study 131 patients were treated with second generation locked plating (NCB-PH, Zimmer, Inc.). The open procedure (n = 78) was performed using a deltopectoral approach; the minimally invasive technique (n = 53) involved percutaneous reduction and an anterolateral deltoid split approach. Clinical and radiological follow-up was obtained. Improvement in function (ROM) was statistically significant. Fracture type (AO) had the most significant impact on the incidence of complications. The most frequent complications detected were intra-articular screw perforation (15%) and secondary displacement (8%). Complication rate and functional outcome of the NCB-PH are comparable to reports in the literature. Not all problems are likely to be solved by this new generation of implants, i.e. secondary dislocation still occurred in 8% of our patients.

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Conflict of interest

The institutions received financial reimbursement from Zimmer, Inc. for conducting this follow-up. None of the authors received financial reimbursement or anything of value for conducting this follow-up. The first and fourth authors are instructional lecturers for Trauma Courses by the Zimmer Institute.

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Correspondence to Götz Röderer.

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Röderer, G., Erhardt, J., Kuster, M. et al. Second generation locked plating of proximal humerus fractures—A prospective multicentre observational study. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 35, 425–432 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-010-1015-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-010-1015-7

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