Optimal surgical management of proximal humeral fractures remains controversial. We report our experience and the study on our surgical technique for proximal humeral fractures and fracture-dislocations using locking plates in conjunction with calcium sulphate augmentation and tuberosity repair using high strength sutures. We used the extended deltoid-splitting approach for fracture patterns involving displacement of both lesser and greater tuberosities and for fracture-dislocations.

We retrospectively analysed 22 proximal humeral fractures in 21 patients. 10 were male and 11 female with an average age of 64.6 years (Range 37 to 77). Average follow-up was 24 months. Fractures were classified according to Neer and Hertel systems. Pre-operative radiographs and CT scans in three and four-part fractures were done to assess the displacement and medial calcar length for predicting the humeral head vascularity. According to the Neer classification, there were 5 two-part, 6 three-part, 5 four-part fractures and 6 fracture-dislocations (2 anterior and 4 posterior). Results were assessed clinically with DASH scores, modified Constant & Murley scores and serial post-operative radiographs.

The mean DASH score was 16.18 and modified Constant & Murley score was 64.04 at the last follow-up. 18 out of 22 cases achieved good clinical outcome. All the fractures united with no evidence of infection, failure of fixation, malunion, tuberosity failure, avascular necrosis or adverse reaction to calcium sulphate bone substitute. There was no evidence of axillary nerve injury. The CaSO4 bone substitute was replaced by normal appearing trabecular bone texture at an average of 6 months in all patients.