FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME FOLLOWING PHILOS PLATE FIXATION

Abstract

The Proximal Humeral Internal Locking System (PHILOS) is being used increasingly in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Improvements in operative technique since its first use may represent improved functional results. We analysed 28 cases performed in the two years following October 2006. There were 22 females and 6 males. Mean age was 65 years (Range 37–79 years). There were five 2-part, nineteen 3-part, and four 4-part fractures. Functional results were measured using the Oxford Shoulder Score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons’ Score (ASES) and Constant Score (Age and sex matched). This provided objective and subjective scores of function after a mean follow-up period of 15 months (Range 3–27 months). These results were compared to the patient’s non-operated shoulder to determine loss in function.

Following PHILOS fixation, function of the operated arm was decreased both subjective and objective scoring. This change was significant for all three scores (p-values < 0.01). Sub-analysis comparing patients aged < 60 years with those > 60 years and 2-part fractures with 3- and 4-part fractures showed no significant difference.

We conclude that our results show that function in the operated arm is lost. Our data confirms previously published function scores and shows no impact of the patient’s age and fracture configuration on the results of this implant.