A clinical study of anterior bridge plating for humerus shaft fractures by minimal invasive technique

Abstract

Introduction: Diaphyseal fractures of humerus treated with bridge plating are showing superior results in view of post-operative pain and union time. In our study we have evaluated the clinical, radiological, and functional outcome of such fractures in 15 patients, all of them 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 gold standard, this technique also gives good outcome.Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with humerus shaft fractures were managed by anterior bridge plating using Minimum invasive osteosynthesis technique between Jan 2017 and Jan 2018 were included in this study. All cases were managed with closed reduction and 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 scores were used for assessing the shoulder and elbow function. Results: Out of the fifteen patients in the study, eleven were males and four were females. The mean age was 40.2 years (range 25 to 60 years). Ten out of fifteen patients (66.67%) had the dominant side fractured. Mean surgical time in minutes was 90min (range: 60–120 minutes). The mean fracture union time was 10.6 weeks (range: 10–18 weeks). However Shoulder function was excellent to good in 13 cases (86.6%), fair in 1 case (6.67%) & poor 1 case (6.67%) on the UCLA score. Conclusion: In our study, small incision percutaneous anterior bridge technique for fracture shaft humerus results in good functional outcomes. It is based on relative stability which provides healing, and subsequent formation of the bone callus, and reduces the possibility of infection and non-union.it requires experience and a good assistance.