Lay summary
We aim to conduct a randomised controlled pilot trial to develop the skill and capacity for conducting an RCT comparing Intramedullary Nail (IMN) with Locking Plate (LP) in patients with three-part Proximal Humerus Fractures (PHFs).
Twelve patients above 18 years old with displaced three-part PHF will be randomised into IMN and LP groups. Patients will receive standard operation techniques for IMN and LP implants and a standard post-operative rehabilitation. They will be assessed at 3, and 6 months for pain using Visual Analogue Scale, and function using ‘Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand’ (DASH), ‘Constant Murley’ and ‘American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons’ (ASES). Complication rates including infection, fixation failures and metal work failures will be collected. This pilot study will enable us to test all aspects of an RCT in recruitment, randomisation, data gathering, leading us to establish a national research team for conducting a multi-centre RCT.