COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURE TREATED WITH PHILOS AND K-WIRE FIXATION

MUDIT KUMAR SHARMA; JAGDEEP SINGH REHNCY; HARJIT KANWAR SINGH CHAWLA; JASKIRAT SINGH; GIRISH SAHNI; HARSH KUMAR; MUKUL SHARMA; ABHISHEK

doi:10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i4.7016

Authors

MUDIT KUMAR SHARMA Department of Orthopaedics, GMC Patiala, Punjab, India
JAGDEEP SINGH REHNCY Department of Orthopaedics, GMC Patiala, Punjab, India
HARJIT KANWAR SINGH CHAWLA Department of Orthopaedics, GMC Patiala, Punjab, India
JASKIRAT SINGH Department of Orthopaedics, GMC Patiala, Punjab, India https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4751-2226
GIRISH SAHNI Department of Orthopaedics, GMC Patiala, Punjab, India
HARSH KUMAR Department of Orthopaedics, GMC Patiala, Punjab, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9563-3668
MUKUL SHARMA Department of Orthopaedics, GMC Patiala, Punjab, India
ABHISHEK Department of Orthopaedics, GMC Patiala, Punjab, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i4.7016

Keywords:

Proximal humerus fractures, Proximal humeral internal locking system, K-wire fixation, NEER classification, Constant scores

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to compare the functional outcomes associated with the treatment of proximal humerus fractures utilizing PHILOS (Proximal Humeral Internal Locking System) and K-wire fixation techniques.

Methods: This study enrolled patients with displaced proximal third humeral fractures requiring internal fixation, randomly assigning them to either PHILOS or K-wire fixation. Inclusion criteria included skeletal maturity and informed consent, while exclusions involved skeletal immaturity and medically unfit patients. Preoperative assessments included demographic data, medical history, and radiographic evaluations. The surgical procedure utilized the deltopectoral approach, followed by immobilization and a structured rehabilitation program. Postoperative follow-ups included radiographs at specified intervals. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: The demographic analysis revealed a similar age distribution (mean age ~50 y) and gender ratio in both groups, with falls being the primary injury mechanism. Significant differences in operative times were noted, with Group 1 averaging 92.67 min and Group 2 71.00 min (p<0.0001). Radiological union times were comparable, averaging 15.33 w for Group 1 and 14.93 w for Group 2 (p = 0.6226). Both groups showed improvements in Constant scores over time, with significant differences at 3 and 6 mo post-operative, indicating effective recovery in both groups.

Conclusion: This study found significant differences in operative times between PHILOS and K-wire groups, with comparable radiological union times and similar NEER classification distributions. Both groups showed notable improvements in Constant scores at three and six months post-operatively, highlighting the need for further research to enhance surgical techniques and patient care.

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