Minimum 2-year results of the second-generation CFR-PEEK locking plate on the proximal humeral fracture.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the 24-month range of motion results of patients treated with CFR-PEEK2 versus conventional titanium plate osteosyntheses (TAL-P). We hypothesized similar clinical outcomes but a better range of motion in the CFR-PEEK2 group than the TAL-P group in the 2-year follow-up.

Methods: This retrospective study analysing prospectively collected data included all patients that presented with a PHF and were treated with CFR-PEEK2 between November 2016 and April 2018. Follow-up was performed after a minimum of 24 months, evaluating the functional degree of movement functional scores, including the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) as well as an age- and sex-adapted Constant-Murley score (CMS). The 2-year results were compared to the results of a matched pair group comprising patients that were treated with TAL-P during the same period.

Results: Of the 35 patients included (mean age: 61.2 [18-78] years), 30 (86%) patients completed the 24-month follow-up in the CFR-PEEK2-group. After 24 months, the mean CMS was 89.9 points (pt) (44.5-100 pt) and the mean SSV was 86.7% (35-100%). Compared to the matched-pair TAL-P cohort, the 24-month follow-up showed similar results (CMS: 88.6 pt. (40.5-100 pt.) [p = 0.9]; SSV: 76% (30-100%) [p = 0.05]). However, significantly better degrees of forward flexion and internal rotation as well as a better range of motion in abduction was recorded in patients treated with CFR-PEEK2 plates than TAL-P.

Conclusion: At the 24-month follow-up, patients who received treatment with CFR-PEEK2 compared to those that received TAL-P showed enhanced range of motion whilst having similar clinical scores.