Early results of proximal humerus nonunion in elderly patients treated with proximal humerus locking plate and tricortical iliac crest bone graft

Dr. Yogesh R. Gaikwad; Dr. DevendraVartak; Dr. Nikhil Malewar; Dr. Madhav Khadilkar; Dr. Tushar Deore

Volume : VI, Issue : III, March - 2016

Early results of proximal humerus nonunion in elderly patients treated with proximal humerus locking plate and tricortical iliac crest bone graft

Dr. Yogesh R. Gaikwad, Dr. Devendravartak, Dr. Nikhil Malewar, Dr. Madhav Khadilkar, Dr. Tushar Deore

Abstract :

Treatment of proximal humerus nonunion in elderly patients is very challenging. Poor bone stock, associated co–morbidities, osteoporosis may lead to poor functional results with residual pain and disability. We report early clinical and radiographic results of non union of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients treated with locking plate and tricortical iliac crest bone graft. It is a retrospective analysis of 12 patients with a mean age of 61 years. All patients developed union at non union fracture site at an average of 12 weeks. Average follow up was 13 months. Complications include superficial wound infection and implant loosening in one patient each. UCLA shoulder score showed satisfactory results in 75% of patients. Locking plate along with tricortical iliac crest bone graft is a reasonable option for this complex problem. Early results are encouraging in terms of achieving radiographic union and reasonably good painless shoulder function.