The Effect of Calcar Screw Use in Fractures of the Proximal Humerus
Keywords:
Proximal humerus fracture, Calcar screw, Locking plate, Neck-shaft angle, Fixation failureAbstract
Background:
Proximal humerus fractures are common in elderly patients. Locking plates offer stable fixation, but loss of reduction and varus deformity still occur, especially with poor medial support.
Methods:
25 patients treated with PHILOS plates were studied. Calcar screws were used in some cases. Radiographs were assessed for neck-shaft angle and calcar screw position. Shoulder function was measured using the Oxford Shoulder Score.
Results:
91% of optimally placed calcar screws were associated with neck-shaft angles between 130°–150°. Malposition rate was 32%. Fixation failure occurred in 3 patients without calcar screws; none occurred in the calcar screw group.
Conclusion:
Use of calcar screws and achieving a neck-shaft angle between 130°–150° reduces fixation failure. Proper placement improves medial support and patient outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mustafa Elsagier، Mohamed Mahmoud
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
