• Xiong Chen, Zheng-Xi Yu, Huai-Yun Wang, Feng Shen, Guo-Bing Lin, Sheng Wang, and Zong-Sheng Yin.
• Department of Orthopedics, Medical University of Anhui, Hefei, Anhui.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Apr 1; 98 (17): e15271e15271.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate combined with a custom neutral-position shoulder and elbow sling for proximal humerus fractures.MethodsA total of 112 patients with proximal humerus fractures were assigned randomly into 2 groups. Group A (n = 56) was treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a PHILOS plate; group B (n = 56) was treated by ORIF with a PHILOS plate in combination with the use of a custom neutral-position shoulder and elbow sling for 30 days after surgery. The incidence of internal fixation failure, the Constant-Murley shoulder assessment, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score were recorded and analyzed.ResultsPatients included were followed up for an average of 15 months (range, 6-24 months). No significant differences were observed in mean VAS scores and mean Constant-Murley shoulder assessment scores at 1-day preoperative and postoperative day 3 between groups A and B. However, mean VAS scores and mean Constant-Murley shoulder assessment in group B were significantly improved when compared with group A at postoperative day 30 and the final follow-up. No cases of postoperative infection, loss of reduction, PHILOS break, or vascular nerve injury occurred in either group.ConclusionsProximal humerus fractures treated with the combination of the PHILOS and custom neutral-position shoulder and elbow sling for 30 days after operation was associated with a lower incidence of internal fixation failure. There was no increase in adverse events compared with open reduction and internal fixation with a PHILOS plate alone.

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