Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Using a Locking Compression Plate for Diaphyseal Humeral Fractures

Purpose. To assess outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using a locking compression plate (LCP) for 42 humeral shaft fractures. Methods. 28 men and 14 women aged 18 to 68 (mean, 34; median, 29) years underwent closed reduction and MIPO using a LCP for type 12-A (n=26) and type 12-B (n=16) humeral shaft fractures. Eight of the patients were aged ≥50 years. Patients were followed up monthly until radiological union in at least 3 of the 4 cortices. Functional assessment was based on the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Results. The mean follow-up period was 25 (range, 14–35) months. The mean DASH score was 35.1 at month 3 and improved to 8.9 at month 6 and 5.2 at year 1. The mean angulation was 4° in the coronal plane and 7° in the sagittal plane. All fractures united after a mean of 14 weeks. Two patients with transverse fractures had delayed union and received bone marrow injections at 12 or 13 weeks; they achieved union at week 20. One patient developed a radial nerve palsy immediately after surgery and underwent surgical exploration through the anterolateral approach. The plate was re-applied, and the nerve recovered in 48 hours with full power in all the muscle groups. Conclusion. MIPO with LCP is a safe and effective technique for fixation of diaphyseal humeral fractures, and results in faster bone union, better cosmesis, and minimal complications.