CORA ABSTRACT #III - 3

AO BLADE PLATE FIXATION OF PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURES: PROPOSAL FOR A PILOT STUDY

T. Tufescu

W. Dust

G.H. Johnston

Purpose: The AO cannulated blade plate was designed to offer superior fixation with fewer complications than previous plates for proximal humerus fractures. This is a pilot study for a multicentre randomized control trial comparing the AO cannulated blade plates and cloverleaf plates for fixation of proximal humerus fractures.

Design: A prospective cohort treated with blade plates followed for approximately one year. Patients will be reviewed clinically and radiologically. Results will be compared to the literature on AO cannulated blade plates and cloverleaf plates.

Setting: A university affiliated tertiary care center.

Patients: 20 adult patients with proximal humerus fractures (isolated or with multiple injuries).

Methods: Clinical outcome will be measured using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Assessment. Radiological evaluation will be with plain films.

Discussion: There is no prospective study in the literature comparing the AO cannulated blade plate to previous plates for fixation of proximal humerus fractures. In light of the number of such fractures treated operatively, this needs to be a multicentre study. A pilot study is first required to plan the randomized control trial.

Results: Pending.