Quality of life and functional outcome after a 2-part proximal humeral fracture: A prospective cohort study on 50 patients treated with a locking plate

Background

The aim of the study was to report the 2-year outcome after a displaced 2-part fracture of the proximal humerus in elderly patients treated with a locking plate, including an assessment of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Material and methods

We included 50 patients, mean age 75 (range, 55-93) years with 80% women. The fracture inclusion criteria were a displacement of the shaft of >50% of its width and/or >45° of angulation. Follow-up examinations were performed at 4, 12, and 24 months. The main outcome measures were the Constant and DASH scores and HRQoL according to the EQ-5D.

Results

Eight patients (16%) were re-operated upon during the study period. At the final follow-up the mean Constant score was 61 and the mean DASH score 32. The EQ-5D _index score decreased from 0.86 before the fracture to 0.62 at 4 months. At 12 months the EQ-5D _index score was 0.65 and at 24 months 0.68. The values at all follow-ups were significantly lower than before the fracture (P < .001 in all 3 comparisons).

Conclusion

Locking plates appear to be a good treatment alternative in elderly patients with a displaced 2-part fracture of the surgical neck of the proximal humerus with an acceptable complication rate and an acceptable functional outcome; however, rigorous attention has to be paid to avoid screw penetration. Despite the overall acceptable functional outcome, the patients reported a substantial negative effect upon their HRQoL.

Level of evidence: Level IV, Case Series, Treatment Study

Keywords: Proximal humeral fractures, internal fixation, elderly, functional outcome, quality of life