Internal fixation of humeral shaft fractures using minimally invasive plating: comparative study of two implants

Abstract

We compared the results of two types of implants, dynamic compression plates (DCPs) and locking compression plates (LCPs), applied to correct mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures using minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO). Data of 43 patients with mid-distal third humeral shaft fractures treated using MIPO were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the implants applied: group A (n = 26), those whose fractures were fixed with 4.5-mm DCP, and group B (n = 17) fixed with 4.5-mm LCP or metaphyseal LCP. The outcomes of the two groups in terms of operative time, time of fracture union, occurrence of early and late postoperative complications, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) End-Result score and the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) were compared. The mean operative time was 107.8 ± 33.1 min in group A and 91.2 ± 40.4 min in group B (p > 0.05). The mean time of fracture union was 16.77 ± 6.01 weeks in group A and 14.59 ± 5.73 weeks in group B (p > 0.05). Seven (26.9 %) patients had postoperative complications in group A and 3 (17.6 %) in group B (p > 0.05). The mean UCLA End-Result score in group A was 34.31 ± 1.26 points and 33.12 ± 2.76 points in group B (p > 0.05). The mean MEPI was 100.00 ± 0.00 points in group A and 97.35 ± 7.52 points in group B (p > 0.05). In surgical stabilization of mid-distal humeral shaft fractures using MIPO, application of DCP or LCP resulted in good outcomes, there were no significant differences between the outcomes of these two types of implant.