Proximal humeral fractures are common injuries leading to severe functional restrictions and complications for patients. Today, there are several surgical alternatives aimed at achieving better injury stabilization by means of osteosynthesis techniques, depending on injury severity. One of these is the fixed-angle plate fixation of the proximal humerus. This bone fixation system is intended to preserve the biologic integrity of the humeral head associated with a safe anatomical reduction, employing several fixating screws with angle stability, thereby allowing an early mobilization of the fractured limb. Eleven patients with proximal humeral fractures treated with the method of fixed-angle plate fixation of the proximal humerus in the period of 2004 to 2005 were retrospectively studied. The patients were subjected to the Constant questionnaire and the DASH index for functional assessment. The results showed some residual dysfunction at the upper end after this type of trauma, even using a fixed-angle plate fixation of the proximal humerus, which notably provides a safe fixation, associated to physical therapy.
Shoulder Fractures; Fracture Fixation; Internal; Upper Extremity
