Intramedullary Nail Versus Locking Plate for Displaced 3- and 4-Part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus: Two-Year Results From a Semidouble-Blind Randomized Trial.

Study Summary

76-patients between the age of 18-and-85 years with 3-and 4- part fractures of the proximal humerus were included in this trial in which patients were randomized to undergo fixation with either intramedullary nail (IMN)(n=38) or locking plate (LP)(n=38). The primary outcome of interest was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score at 2 years. The secondary outcomes of interest were the Constant score (CS), Oxford shoulder score (OSS), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain at rest and during activity, range of motion (ROM), and the incidence of complications and reoperations. The results of the study revealed that while the DASH scores, CS scores, OSS scores, and VAS scores showed no significant difference between the groups at any time points, the flexion and abduction at 6 months were seen to be significantly greater in the LP group compared with the IMN group. Furthermore, the incidence of complications and reoperations were seen to be significantly greater in the IMN group compared with the LP group.