Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for segmental humerus fractures with a helical plate. Which distal fixation—the anterior or lateral—is superior?

Abstract

Aim: In order to achieve adequate stability in segmental humerus fractures, the PHILOS fixation with minimal invasive approach comes into use instead of conventional plating. However, according to the AO classification, 12C type segmental humerus fractures treated with minimally an invasive method are prone to complications. The purpose of this prospective study is to compare functional outcomes and complication rates following two different angled helical PHILOS plate fixation. Material and Method: This multicenter study is a prospective review of cases with a final follow-up outcome. Twenty-two patients with AO 12-C humerus fractures underwent PHILOS fixation with contoured PHILOS plates between January 2016 and June 2019. Patients evaluated in two groups. Group 1 consisted 12 patients who were treated with a 30° helical plate and Group 2 consisted 10 patients who were treated with 70° helical plate. Clinical outcomes were noted according to the Constant-Murley scoring system. Results: The mean age of patients treated in groups 1 and 2 were 49±15.8 and 50.7±17, respectively. Fractures healed in an average of 13.1±3.9 weeks in Group 1 and 13.8±3.1week in Group 2, respectively. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 18±6.1months in Group 1 and 22±4.2 months in Group 2. Mean Constant-Murley scores at final follow-up were 88±2.7 and 90±2.5 in Groups 1 and 2 respectively (p=.665). Radial nerve neuropraxia was seen in 2 cases in Group 1, and a sensorial injury of the musculocutaneous nerve was seen in 1 patient in Group 2 (p=.365). Conclusion: Similar union rates and successful clinical results were obtained from both groups. However, this study suggests that the 70° angled helical PHILOS technique could be performed relatively easily in AO 12-C fractures with fewer complication rates. Musculocutaneous nerve affliction can be as functionally destructive as radial nerve affliction.