Anterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for treatment of middle humeral shaft fracture

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of anterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for treatment of middle humeral shaft fracture. Methods From November 2011 to March 2014, 10 cases of middle humeral shaft fracture were treated using MIPO via the anterior approach (MIPO group). Another 26 cases treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the middle humeral shaft fracture between October 2010 and March 2014 were included as controls (ORIF group). Fracture fixation using the 4.5 mm locking compression plate (LCP) was performed in both groups. Parameter measurements included operative time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, grafting rate, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, hospital stay, bone healing time and complications. Results MIPO and ORIF groups differed significantly with respect to intraoperative blood loss [(93.5±25.6) ml vs (325.3±158.3)ml], intraoperative fluoroscopy times [(13.2±6.1) vs 4.0 (0-6.0)] and hospitalization [(11.9±1.7)days vs (18.0±4.7)days] (P 0.05). Conclusion Anterior MIPO is an effective procedure for treatment of middle humeral shaft fracture, with advantages of small trauma, less bleeding, low risk of nerve injury and high rate of fracture healing. Key words: Humeral fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis