Abstract: Objective To evaluate the functional outcome and the complication rate after open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures using locking proximal humeral plate.Methods One hundred and six patients(mean age,62.9±15.7 years) with acute proximal humeral fracture were managed with open reduction and internal fixation using locking proximal humeral plate.With the three-month,six-month,and one-year follow-up,all patients were assessed with pain,shoulder mobility,complications,strength and the Constant score,comparing with the contralateral side.Results Among all the 106 cases,95 cases used 5 hole plate,11 cases used other types of plate.After 12 months of follow-up,matoration of injured shoulder enhanced obviously(P<0.05).Shoulder protraction can reach(132 ° ± 35 °);outward(122 ° ± 39 °);out-rotation(45 ° ± 23 °);intorsion(77 ° ± 21 °).One year postoperation,the Constant score was(70.6±13.7),(85.1%±14.0%) of the contralateral side(83.0±8.0).In addition,the score enhanced as the follow-up time went on(P<0.05).Among the 93 patients who finished the follow-up,25(27%) patients appeared 34 complications.18 complications(53%) happened in 3 months post-operation.22 complications(65%) were related to incorrect surgical technique.Conclusion Surgical treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures using locking proximal humeral plate can lead to a good functional outcome and most of the complications were related to incorrect surgical technique.

Key words: Internal fixation, Proximal humerus, Locking plate