Distal femoral LCP was used in 41 consecutive distal AO type A and type C fractures; Vancouver C periprosthetic femoral shaft fractures and Lewis and Rorabeck Type 2 periprosthetic supracondylar fractures of the femur between Oct 2005 and Feb 2008 at a District General Hospital in UK. We aim to present the functional and radiological results at a mean duration of 18.7 months after the surgery.

Between Oct 2005 and Feb 2008, forty patients with a total of forty-one fractures were treated with a distal femoral LCP. There were seventeen male patients and twenty three female patients with a mean age of 73.8 years. There were 29 distal femoral fractures (AO type A = 20; type C = 9) and 12 periprosthetic fractures (Vancouver C = 4; Lewis and Rorabeck Type 2 = 8). Six of the fractures were open. Clinical and radiographic results, including union time, malalignment and implant complications were assessed. Function was assessed by using the Knee Society score. The mean duration of follow-up was 18.7 months (range, seven to thirty five months).

Thirty seven fractures united during this follow up. Three fractures which showed features of delayed or non union needed additional procedures. Screw loosening necessitating screw removal was required in three patients. Deep infection was seen in one patient. Malalignment more than 10 degrees in AP or Lat views was evident in five cases. Excellent to good Knee Society score was achieved in 82 percent of cases. Fair to poor score was seen in 18 percent of cases.

Distal femoral locking plates offer more fixation versatility without an apparent increase in mechanical complications or loss of reduction.

Aim: To assess the clinical and functional outcome of proximal humeral fractures (2,3 and 4 parts) fixation with PHILOS (Proximal Humeral interlocked Osteosynthesis) plate using Oxford and DASH scoring system.

Methods: Forty-eight consecutive patients were treated with PHILOS plate from the complex proximal humeral fractures. One senior surgeon, using PHILOS plates, operated all patients. The patients were regularly assessed clinically, and plain radiographic evaluation was performed for fracture healing, avascular necrosis, and implant failure. Clinical outcome was measured using Oxford shoulder scores and DASH (Disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand) scores. Patients, who died, lost the follow up or the follow up was less than 3 months were excluded from the study.

Results: There were nine male patients (Age: 29–89 yrs) and twenty-nine female patients (Age: 35–93 yrs). Average age: 65 yrs. 74% were two part and three part fractures. Five patients died and four were lost in follow-up. These patients were excluded from the study. Mean follow-up time: 21.7 months (range: 6–44 months). Mean oxford shoulder scores: 41.8 (range: 14–60), Mean DASH scores: 30.2 (range: 0–83.3). There were no cases of non-union. Two plates were removed after fracture healing for complications of impingement and screw cutout.

Discussion & conclusion: Proximal humeral fractures constitute 5–7% of all fractures and 26% of humeral fractures.13–16% of proximal humeral fractures are 3 & 4 parts. Proximal humeral fractures have been a challenge to acquire stable fixation. Difficulties have been multifactorial, including osteoporotic bone, angular instability and non-availability of the low-profile implant to avoid impingements. PHILOS plate having locking screws provides angular stability and better hold in osteoporotic bone. It is low profile, which avoids subacromial impingement. Multiple holes in the proximal part of plate for suture anchors helps for soft tissue augmentation. PHILOS plate can provide an excellent stable construct even in multifragmented Osteoporotic proximal humeral fractures.

Our study has shown that PHILOS plates are reliable implants for internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures. An inverse correlation was seen between oxford shoulder scores and DASH scores. Patients with higher oxford scores indicating a good outcome had lesser disability scores. Comminuted fractures (four part fractures) had less than satisfactory shoulder scores and higher disability scores. In general, younger patients did better than older patients. This study demonstrates that PHILOS plates provide stable internal fixation for proximal humerus fractures. Age and fracture configuration play a significant role in the clinical outcome of these fractures after internal fixation.