Purpose of the Study: We evaluated the results of surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears accompanied by proximal humerus fractures.

Materials and Methods: Between September 2005 and April 2009, among a total of 103 patients undergoing surgical treatment with internal fixation for humerus fracture, 7 patients (6 females, 1 male; mean age 72.4 years; range 56 to 84years) underwent surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears accompanied by proximal humerus fracture. The mean follow-up period was 14 months (range 5 to 24 months). Radiographically, all fractures were classified according to the AO/ASIF system. AO/ASIF system type 11A2 accompanied by 12C2 (n:1), 11B1 (n:2), 11B2 (n:2), 11C2 (n:2). MRI was not used in any of the cases. All rotator cuff tears were determinated during the operation. Rotator cuff tears were repaired by primary suture (n:2), suture anchor (n:5), using the deltoid split approach (after treatment of proximal humerus fracture with open reduction and internal fixation. All patients used shoulder-arm sling for 6 weeks. Standard fracture rehabilitation was performed. Functional and radiographic results were evaluated.

Results: None of the patients developed nonunion, implant failure or avascular necrosis. In the final evaluation, the Constant shoulder score was 82.8 (50–100). All patients were satisfied with results.

Conclusion: The presence of rotator cuff tears in fractures of the proximal humerus is a especially possible in the elderly. Simultaneous repair of the fracture and rotator cuff does not create a negative functional and radiologic effect and prevents a future functional loss. Therefore the investigation of rotator cuff tears in all proximal humerus fractures and when present, treatment in the same session will increase the success of functional results.

Purpose of the Study: We evaluated the complications of proximal humeral fractures, which are treated with locked plates.

Materials and Methods: 103 patients (70 female, 33 male) with proximal humeral fractures with an average follow-up time of 19 months (2 weeks– 43 months) and an average 62,1 (21–90) years of age are treated with open reduction and internal fixation from September 2005 to April 2009 in our clinic. Internal fixation was performed with PHILOS plate in 93 patients and S3 Humeral plate in 10 patients. Early and late complications that are encountered during the follow-up time is presented.

Results: Complications occurred in 10 patients (7 females, 3 males) with an average age of 67,1 (41–89) years from which 5 of them had varus inclination, 5 had inter-joint screw penetration, 1 had fixation failure, 1 had breakage of the implant and 1 had infection. Complication rate (10 of the 103 patients) was 9.7%. The rates of varus inclination (5 of the 103 patients) and the rates of screw penetration (5 out of 103) were both 4.85%. During the follow-up time 3 of the 5 patients with varus inclination (60%) had progression (displacement of varus). 4 of the 5 patients with varus inclination (80%) had screw penetration. All of the 4 patients (100%) with varus displacement had screw penetration. The average Constant Murley shoulder score of the complication group were 67.8 (50–90).

Conclusion: Surgical treatment of the proximal humeral fractures has a high rate of complications. Screw penetration rates of the patients with varus inclination is 60%. Accurate indication, protection of the head’s inclination angle with an appropriate surgical approach and a proper technique, fine calculation of the screw lengths are needed for a successful functional result. In our study, where we have found fewer rates of complications than the literature, we have pointed out the reasons of the complications and we have stated the noteworthy precautions to lower the rates of these