Minimally invasive treatment of 18 elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures

Objective: To evaluate the combination therapy of minimally invasive technique plus percutaneous locking plate fixation for treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly.Methods: Eighteen elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated by minimally invasive technique and percutaneous locking plate fixation.Results: The patients were followed up for 4-12 months.All the fractures healed.According to Neer standard score,the result was excellent in 13 cases,good in 3 cases and fair in 2 cases.During the follow-up,1 patient died of diabetes mellitus complicated with pulmonary infection.Conclusions: Percutaneous micro-invasive technology combined with locking plate fixation is safe and effective for treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly,and the results are satisfactory.