Cadaveric biomechanical study comparing four implants for unstable two-part proximal humerus fractures (AO 11-A3): a semielastic locked plate (Philos 130°, used as reference), a conventional T-plate, a rigid locked plate (Philos 95°), and a spiral blade locked IM nail (PHN). Tests included axial/torsional stiffness, 200-cycle fatigue, and load to failure.
When choosing internal fixation for an unstable proximal humerus surgical neck fracture, rigidity matters: semielastic locked screws offer no mechanical advantage over conventional plates and fail earlier under cyclic load.
Favor a rigid locked plate or spiral blade IM nail — both maintain reduction better and resist higher failure loads in biomechanical testing.
Cadaveric biomechanical study comparing four implants for unstable two-part proximal humerus fractures (AO 11-A3): a semielastic locked plate (Philos 130°, used as reference), a conventional T-plate, a rigid locked plate (Philos 95°), and a spiral blade locked IM nail (PHN). Tests included axial/torsional stiffness, 200-cycle fatigue, and load to failure.
When choosing internal fixation for an unstable proximal humerus surgical neck fracture, rigidity matters: semielastic locked screws offer no mechanical advantage over conventional plates and fail earlier under cyclic load.
Favor a rigid locked plate or spiral blade IM nail — both maintain reduction better and resist higher failure loads in biomechanical testing.