Functional outcome of midshaft humerus fracture treated with minimally invasive anterior plate osteosynthesis

Abstract

Introduction: Humeral shaft fractures make up approximately 1% of all fractures. Typically, they are the result of direct trauma. Though open reduction and plating technique of humerus shaft fracture is prevailing, Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique also gives favorable outcome. This techniques are challenging and have the benefitof reducing soft- tissue damage.Materials and Methods: Twenty two patients with 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 locking compression plate fixation in bridging mode using the MIPO technique. The dominant side, gender ratio, surgery time, radiation exposure, and fracture union time were noted. The constant Murley score for shoulder and Mayo elbow performance score for elbow were used for assessing the shoulder and elbow function.Results: Of the twenty two patients in the study, 54.4% were males and 45.5% were females. The mean age was 45.8 years (range 21 to 85 years). 59.1% patients had the left side fractured. RTA was most common mode of injury. Mean surgical time in minutes was 71.36 mins. The mean fracture union time was 12.82 weeks. At the end of 1-year follow-up, mean constant score was 87.9 and mean Mayo score was 97. 20 patients had no post-op complications and 2 had delayed union.Conclusion: This study confirmed a high overall rate of union and excellent functional outcomes. Mini incision anterior bridge technique should be considered as an effective, cosmetically advanced surgical option. It is a safe and less time consuming method for simple types of humeral shaft fracture.