Anterior bridge plating by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in humerus shaft fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Shaft humerus fractures constitute 1-3% and 20% of all fractures of the humerus. For shaft humerus fractures, fixation with absolute stability using Dynamic Compression Plate by open technique is today’s gold standard. MIPO was developed to attain a more stable fixation, which might improve the union rate and cut back complications related to open plating together with infection and induced radial nerve palsy. Materials & Methods: 25 cases of fracture of shaft humerus fractures were studied. During the period from August 2015 to July 2017. Case selection was done in the criteria of history, clinical examination and radiological (X-ray) examination. Result was noted according to UCLA score & MEP score and filled up. Results: 100% union seen in our cases. Union was achieved in 12-14 weeks in 13(52%) of patients, 14-16 weeks in 9 (36%) of the patients and more than 16 weeks in the remaining 3(12%) patients with average time to union being 14.24 weeks. It was observed that the majority of the cases had excellent 17(68%), Good 5(20%) UCLA and 3(12%) had fair UCLA. Only 2 cases had less than an excellent MEP score, while the rest had excellent scores. Conclusion: Anterior Bridge plating by Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in shaft humerus fractures showed promising results. They provide relative stability to the fracture site and fracture hematoma is not disturbed. MIPO preserves the vascularity and hence decreases the risk of infection and wound breakdown.