J Korean Fract Soc.  2007 Jul;20(3):246-251. 10.12671/jkfs.2007.20.3.246.

Comparison of LC-DCP versus LCP for Internal Fixation of Humeral Shaft Fractures in Elderly Patient

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. orthocap@yahoo.co.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
To compare outcomes of humeral shaft fractures fixed with locking compression plate and those fixed with dynamic compression plate in elderly patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Nineteen consecutive elderly patients with a fracture of the humeral diaphysis were evaluated retrospectively. Ten patients had been fixed with LC-DCP, and nine had been fixed with LCP. Radiological and clinical results were compared and comparison of implants was done.
RESULTS
Loosening of the plate occurred in one case each from the LCP group and the LC-DCP group. The rest of the patients achieved union uneventfully without any complications. Union rate, clinical score and hardware were not significantly different between the two groups. One patient who developed loosening in the LC DCP underwent reoperation whereas one patient with loosening in the LCP was successfully managed conservatively.
CONCLUSION
Principle of fracture fixation was more important than plate selection in humeral shaft fracture of elderly patient.

Keyword

Humerus; Shaft fracture; Osteoporosis; LC-DCP; LCP

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Diaphyses
Fracture Fixation
Humans
Humerus
Osteoporosis
Reoperation
Retrospective Studies

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Postoperative radiographs show development loosening of LC-DCP. Follow-up radiographs show progress of loosening and reoperation.

  • Fig. 2 Postoperative radiographs show loosening of LCP. Follow-up radiographs shows union of fracture site without further loosening.


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