Strength recovery after proximal humeral fractures treated with locking plate

Purpose: The aim of this study is to understand whether the isokinetic strength could be a valid objective data of functional recovery evaluating a group of patients with proximal humeral fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation with locking plate comparing the clinical and functional recovery (isokinetic strength) with the not involved side. Methods: Seventy patients underwent surgery with locking plate placement for proximal humeral fractures. The strength of each patient's shoulders, both involved and not involved, was evaluated using isokinetic tests and Constant-Murley score. Finally, the study included 48 patients and the mean follow-up of 33 months. Results: The functional outcome showed no significant differences between operated and not operated shoulder. Conclusions: This study shows that the assessment of the force can be supported by use of tools such as the evaluation with isokinetic machines with the advantage of having, in this way, an objective data on the functional recovery. Level of evidence: III. © 2014 Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli.