Proximal humeral fractures are common fractures that may lead to severe functional disability. In open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures deltopectoral approach is pereferred by many surgeons being an internervous plane and because of familiarity. However when this aprroach is used extensive soft tissue dissection is inevitable and control of the commonly displaced tuberculum majus fragment which is displaced posterolateraly is difficult. In this prospective study we compared deltopectoral and lateral deltoid splitting approach by using the same fixation material.

Between October 2005 and March 2007 42 patients were included in the study group. In Group A a lateral deltoid split approch and in Group B deltopectoral approach was used. Group A consisted of 22 cases; mean age 60.95 (26–90 years old); 12 female and 10 male, Group B 20 cases; mean age 56.9 (24–86 years old); 13 female, 7 male. Philos locking plate fixation (Synthes) was used in every case. When deltoid split approach was used axillary nerve was explored and protected, a C-arm was used in every case. Functional results and compications were compared at the follow up visits.

When radiological results were compared the reduction of head and tubercular fragments were better in deltoid splitting approach. The Constant score was better in Group A at an earlier time period 68.9 vs 58.4 (p< 0.01). At the 6th month follow up the difference between Constant scores was not significant, 85.9 vs 85.2 (p> 0.05). Axillary nerve lesion due to lateral deltoid split exposure was not observed in any of the cases.

Lateral deltoid split exposure with identification and protection of the axillary nerve facilitates 270 degrees control of the head and tubercular fragments in AO/ASIF type B and C fractures. Additional fixation of tubercular fragments by sutures passed through cuff tendons and fixed to the plate helps to maintain the reduction. Compared to double incision minimal invasive approach a shother plate is used without any inadvertant risk to the axillary nerve. Better Constant scores are achieved at an earlier time. We recommend this technique in AO/ASIF type B and C fractures.