Comparison of “Bilboquet” device and locking plate for surgical treatment of proximal humerus complex fractures at two years follow-up

Abstract

Purpose Surgical treatment of three or four part fractures of the proximal humerus is complex. Different conservative techniques have been described. The main goal of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of Bilboquet and locking plate at two year follow-up. Methods This is a retrospective, comparative study, with a continuous series of 41 patients. Bony fixation was achieved with a Bilboquet device in 22 patients or a locking plate in 19 patients. Patient evaluation included clinical data: shoulder range of motion, Constant–Murley shoulder score and DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, and imaging using standard shoulder X-rays. Results Of the 41 patients included, 1 patient was lost to follow-up in the locking plate group. At a mean follow-up of 24 months patients in Bilboquet group showed a Constant score higher than in locking plate (p = 0.02). Range of motion and DASH score were not significantly different between the two groups. avascular necrosis occured in three patients of Bilboquet group (14%) versus in two patients in the locking plate group (11%) (p > 0.5). Complication and reintervention rate were non-significantly higher in the locking plate group than in the Bilboquet group (37 vs 14%). Conclusion Bilboquet and locking plate give good functional outcomes in complex proximal humerus fractures. However, the Bilboquet device appears to provide better functional results than locking plate at mid-term follow-up.