Outcome Analysis After Removing Locking Plates from Shoulder Fractures
Author Information
Author(s): Kirchhoff Chlodwig, Braunstein Volker, Kirchhoff Sonja, Sprecher Christoph M, Ockert Ben, Fischer Florian, Leidel Bernd A, Biberthaler Peter
Primary Institution: Technische Universitaet Muenchen
Hypothesis
Does the removal of locking plate fixation of the proximal humerus improve clinical outcomes?
Conclusion
Removing the locking plate significantly improves clinical outcomes for patients with specific symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean Constant score improved from 66.2% before removal to 84.3% after 6 months.
- Pain levels decreased significantly from a mean of 5.2 on the VAS scale to 2.2 after 6 months.
- The SF-36 physical component score showed significant improvement in both genders after 6 months.
Takeaway
When doctors take out plates from broken shoulders, many patients feel better and have less pain afterward.
Methodology
Patients who had locking plates removed were followed for clinical and radiologic outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-surgery.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of controlled studies and varying reasons for hardware removal.
Limitations
Some patients may have had hardware removal elsewhere, and additional disabilities could affect quality of life scores.
Participant Demographics
59 patients (30 women, 29 men) with a mean age of 55 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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