Anterior bridge plating with mini incision MIPO technique for type a humerus diaphyseal fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior bridge plating with minimally invasive technique for type A shaft humeral fractures is reported as an acceptable less traumatic and reproducible procedure by several authors. We have evaluated the clinical, radiological, and functional outcome of such fractures in twenty patients, all of which were managed with dynamic compression plate over an average follow- up period of 12 months. Though open reduction and plating technique of humerus shaft fracture is prevailing, this technique also gives favorable outcome.Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with type a humerus shaft fractures were managed by anterior bridge plating using MIPO technique between March 2017 to November 2019 were included in this series. All cases were treated with closed reduction and 10-12 whole 4.5mm dynamic compression plate fixation over anterior aspect in bridging mode using the MIPO technique. The dominant side, gender ratio, surgery time, and fracture union time, and complications were noted. The UCLA shoulder and Mayo elbow performance scores were used for assessing the shoulder and elbow function.Results: Of the Twenty patients in the study, ten were males and ten were females. The mean age was 34.3 years (range 18 to 85 years) twelve out of twenty patients (60%) had the dominant side fractured. Mean surgical time in minutes was 88.98 (range: 50 to 150 minutes). The mean fracture union (radiological) time was 14.3 weeks (range: 10–16 weeks) and clinical union time was 10.4 week. However Shoulder function was excellent in 20 cases (100%) on the UCLA score.Conclusion: This study confirmed a high overall rate of union and excellent functional outcomes. Mini incision anterior bridge technique for type A fracture shaft humerus gives good functional results and should be considered as an effective, cosmetically advanced surgical option in the treatment of type A humeral shaft fractures. It is a safe and less time consuming method for type a humeral shaft fractures when the surgeon is experienced in the technique.