Research Day
THE PROXIMAL HUMERUS PLATE: USEFULNESS IN POSTERIOR MALLEOLAR AND POSTERIOR PILON FRACTURE VARIANTS
Document Type
Abstract
Date
2021
Abstract
Introduction: Pre-contoured locking plates have, in many ways, revolutionized fixation of complex peri-articular fractures. One such plate, the proximal humerus plate, has been known to have utility in more areas than just the proximal humerus. To expand its indications, the authors have found use for it placed inverted on posterior malleolar fractures or in posterior pilon fracture variants.
Case Description: The case depicts a 49 year-old male who sustained a closed, unstable, trimalleolar ankle fracture as a result of a motorcycle accident. An inverted pre-contoured proximal humerus plate was applied to the posterior distal tibia to augment fixation based onfragment size and the instability pattern. Clinical and radiographic follow up demonstrated near anatomic reduction and fracture union.
Conclusion: The case depicts the utility of the inverted pre-contoured proximal humerus plate for fixation of the posterior distal tibia. The plate is low profile, anatomically fits the area well with minimal need of additional contouring, and accepts relatively large diameter screws. In addition, the plate's ability to accept locking screw fixation may be used to further augment constructs in patients with osteoporosis, alcoholism, and diabetes mellitus.