Evaluation of the results of anterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in treating humeral shaft fractures

Abstract

Background The advantages of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) are less soft tissue dissection and less blood loss with excellent results. This study aims to assess the outcomes of MIPO in treating humeral shaft fractures. Patients and methods Anterior MIPO was performed on 30 patients from March 2017 to January 2019. The inclusion criteria for this prospective study included a fracture located at the middle third of the humeral shaft, a fracture with polytrauma, and fractures with early conservative treatment failure. Type A fracture was the most common according to the AO-OTA classification (13 cases), followed by type B (11 cases) and type C (six cases). The space between biceps and brachialis was identified, and a locking compression plate or limited contact dynamic compression plate was used. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. The outcome measurements included fracture union, alignment, infection, range of motion, functional assessment as per the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder score, and elbow function as evaluated using the Mayo elbow performance index. Results The mean operation time was 90.30 min (range, 80–180 min), and mean radiation exposure was 204 s (range, 110—420 s). All fractures united. The mean fracture union time was 15.3 weeks (range, 10–18 weeks). There was no incidence of implant failures. The mean University of California at Los Angeles end-result score was 34 points (range, 32–35). The mean Mayo elbow performance index was 98 points (range, 90–100). The mean range of motion was 135° (range, 100–140°). The functional outcome was satisfactory. Conclusion MIPO is an excellent method for treating humeral shaft fractures. It might decrease the perioperative complications with a reduced operation time.