Outcomes of proximal humeral fracture fixation with locked CFR PEEK plating
PurposeTo investigate the outcomes of proximal humeral fracture (PHF) fixation with a novel carbon fiber reinforced (CFR) PEEK plate and to compare results with outcomes after conventional locked titanium plating.MethodsTwenty one patients (7 male, 14 female) with operative treatment of unilateral displaced PHFs (mean age, 66.8 9.9 years) with a novel CRF PEEK plate were prospectively enrolled. Patients were followed up clinically (Constant Score, Simple Shoulder Test and Simple Shoulder Value) and radiologically 3 months postoperative and again clinically 12 months postoperative. Implant related complications were evaluated after 3 and 12 months. Results at 1 year follow up were compared with results of 21 patients (7 male, 14 female; mean age, 67.4 9.7 years) with conventional titanium locked plating by matched case control analysis.ResultsAll functional outcomes improved after CFR PEEK plating (p 0.05) Twelve months postoperatively, the mean age and gender related Constant Score was 99.8 21.2% All fractures healed by the 3 month follow up without evidence of secondary screw perforation, fragment displacement or loss of fixation. There were no significant differences between the functional outcomes of patients with the CF PEEK plate and patients with locked titanium plating (p 0.05) Patients with locked titanium plating were significantly more likely to require revision surgery related to articular screw perforations (p 0.048).ConclusionsFracture fixation of displaced PHFs with a novel CFR PEEK plate resulted in good to excellent 1 year functional outcomes which were similar to outcomes of conventional locked titanium plating. The stiffer locked titanium plating was associated with a higher risk of articular screw perforations than the more elastic CFR PEEK plate.
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery Traumatology