A Comparison of the Functional Outcome in PHILOS (Proximal Humerus Internal Locking System) Versus Proximal Humerus Interlocking Nail in Proximal Humerus Fractures

Background Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are often injuries that occur in the field of orthopedics and can either be treated conservatively or operatively. The PHILOS (Proximal Humerus Interlocking System) and the proximal humerus nail (PHN) are the commonly used operative techniques. Objectives The objective of this study is to analyse the functional outcome of the PHILOS (Proximal Humerus Internal Locking System) and the PHN (Proximal Humerus Nail) in proximal humerus fractures. Methods This research included a total of 40 patients; out of them, 20 patients were assigned to the PHN group, while the other 20 patients were assigned to the PHILOS group. Functional outcomes were evaluated using established scoring methods, such as the Constant-Murley Shoulder Outcome score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Results Following the inclusion criteria, a total of 40 patients were found to be eligible for the study. The PHN group had a significantly reduced average surgical time of 75.90 minutes (±5.70 SD) compared to the PHILOS group, which had an average surgical time of 112.50 minutes (±12.93 SD). The average constant score at 12 months follow-up was 72.70±3.51 for PHILOS and 78.35±4.72 for PHN group (p-value<0.001). Conclusion Our study indicates that PHN yields favorable functional outcomes in the treatment of PHFs as compared to PHILOS. Nevertheless, more investigation, such as prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and extended follow-up, is necessary to validate these results.