Surgical Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures: palm tree pinning versus anatomical plate

Background: This study aims to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of two surgical techniques used in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures: open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and closed reduction with percutaneous pinning.
Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective study in the Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, including 18 patients treated for proximal humerus fractures by ORIF using an anatomical locking plate. A second group of 20 patients was treated using the Kapandji intrafocal percutaneous pinning technique. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and the Constant–Murley score. Radiological outcomes included time to union and quality of reduction.
Results: Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups in functional or radiological outcomes. Union was achieved in all patients. Mean time to union was 6.2 weeks in the ORIF group and 6.05 weeks in the pinning group. The mean DASH scores were 19.4 and 18.6, respectively. The mean Constant–Murley scores were 80.6 and 84.6, respectively.
Conclusion: Both techniques provide comparable functional and radiological outcomes, with no evidence of superiority of one method over the other.