English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Humerus fractures, mainly midshaft are one of the most common fractures treated by orthopaedicians around the globe, either conservatively or by internal fixation by plate and screw or by intramedullary humerus nail. Each has its own merits and demerits. The objective of our study was to assess functional and radiological results of minimally invasive anterior bridge plating of humerus shaft as well as lower third shaft fractures and prove its efficacy, in fact, supremacy over other used techniques till day. METHODS 38 patients, fulfilling inclusion criteria were operated by minimally invasive anterior bridge plating using dynamic compression /locking compression plates. UCLA shoulder & MAYO elbow scores were used for assessing shoulder and elbow function and radiographical assessment was done to confirm healing and union. RESULTS Out of 38 patients in the study, 26 were males and 12 were females, the mean age was 40.184 years (range 25 to 56 years). 29 patients had mid-shaft fractures and 9 patients had lower mid-shaft humerus fractures. Mean surgical time was 77.868 (range 60 min to 100 min ), mean union time (radiological ) was 13.78 weeks (range 10 to 19 weeks), shoulder function was good to excellent in 36 cases (94.7 % ) and moderate in 2 cases (5.26 %) on UCLA score. CONCLUSIONS Our study proved to be a huge success, with excellent rates of union and very good functional results. Minimally invasive anterior bridge plating is a biological fixation and proves itself a very efficacious surgical treatment option for mid-shaft and lower mid-shaft humerus fractures. This method is very safe, with the best outcomes, and can be considered as the best technique for such fractures of the humerus to date. KEY WORDS Anterior Bridge Plating, Mid Shaft, Lower Mid Shaft Humerus Fractures, UCLA Score