Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of the fixation of elderly fracture of proximal humerus with locking compression plate(LCP) by mini-incision approach from lateral shoulder.Methods31 elderly patients suffered from elderly fracture of proximal humerus were treated with locking compression plate(LCP) by mini-incision approach from lateral shoulder, male 13 cases, female 18 cases; aged from 56 to 72, average 62-8 years old; fractures according to Neer classification: type Ⅱ(8 cases), type Ⅲ (19 cases), type Ⅳ (4 cases). Cause of injuries: traffic accident (9 cases), falling (20 cases), other injuries(2 cases).ResultsThe patients were followed up 6 to 36 months, an average of about 24 months. Fracture healing time was 2-2 ～ 6-4 months, on average 3-7 months; No wound infection occurred. Post-operative functional score (Neer score) revealed: excellent(18 cases), good (11 cases), fair (2 cases), the ratio of excellent(18 cases), good (11 cases) was 93-5%. ConclusionFixation of elderly fracture of proximal humerus with locking compression plate(LCP) by minimally invasive approach from lateral shoulder is a safe, reliable and minimally invasive procedure with good reduction and stable fixation. Early post-operative functional exercise may be permitted for preventing shoulder joint adhesion.

Key words: mini-incision, humerus, locking compression plate (LCP), fracture