Anterior minimally invasive osteosynthesis using a locking compression plate for spiral fractures of mid-distal humeral shaft

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of anterior minimally invasive osteosynthesis using a locking compression plate for spiral fractures of the mid-distal humeral shaft. Methods A retrospective analysis was made of the clinical data of 12 patients who had undergone anterior minimally invasive osteosynthesis using a locking compression plate for spiral fractures of the mid-distal humeral shaft between December 2016 and January 2018. They were 8 males and 4 females, aged from 18 to 38 years (mean, 21.8 years). According to the AO/OTA classification, 5 cases were defined as type 12-A1.2, 2 as type 12-A1.3, 2 as type 12-B1.2, 2 as type 12-B1.3 and one as type 12-C1.1. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, early postoperative complications and union time were recorded; the functional recovery of the elbow joint was evaluated by the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and that of the shoulder by the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale at the final follow-up. Results The mean operation time was 63 minutes (range, from 43 to 130 minutes), and the mean intraoperative blood loss 139 mL (range, from 60 to 280 mL). All incisions healed by the first intention without any neurologic complications or wound infection. All the 12 patients were followed up for 10 to 21 months (mean, 13.7 months). Bony union was obtained in all cases after 11 to 20 weeks (mean, 15.8 weeks). No loosening or breakage of internal fixation occurred. At the final follow-up, the MEPS ranged from 90 to 100 (mean, 99) and the UCLA shoulder scores from 31 to 35 (mean, 34.5). Conclusion Anterior minimally invasive osteosynthesis using a locking compression plate is safe and feasible for spiral fractures of the mid-distal humeral shaft, leading to minimal invasion, a low risk for iatrogenic nerve injury and satisfactory effectiveness. Key words: Humerus; Fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone plate