The Functional Outcome of Shaft of Humerus fractures Treated With Anterior Bridge plating Y

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalent operative treatment options for shaft of humerus fractures include Open reduction and plating, closed reduction and
fixation with interlocking nail. However many authors have advocated Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) as a less
traumatic, favorable and reproducible technique recently. Clinical, radiological and functional outcome of 15 patients with shaft of humerus
fractures treated with anterior bridge plating, were studied and analyzed with an average follow up period of 9.4 months. Materials and
Methods: Fifteen patients with humerus shaft fracture, managed with anterior bridge plating in MIPPO mode from Dec 2018 to May 2020 were
included in the series. A 10 to 12 holed locking compression plate or dynamic compression plate was used on the anterolateral surface of humerus
through minimal incisions for fixation of the fracture after closed reduction. Age of occurrence, side, gender ratio, time taken for fracture union,
malalignment/angulation/shortening, range of movement at elbow and shoulder and complications were studied. Constant Murley score for
shoulder and Mayo elbow performance score was used to assess the functional outcome. Results: The mean age of the study group of 15 patients
was42.7 yrs. with maximum number of patients coming in 40-60yrs range. Of the 15 patients, 9 were males and 6 were females. Majority of the
patients (60%) had their non dominant side fractured. The average time for union was 11.9 weeks, range being 8 -20 weeks. In accordance with
constant Murley sore, 14 patients had excellent results and 1 patient had good result. In accordance with Mayo elbow performance score, all 15
patients had excellent elbow function score. 2 out of the 15 patients developed post operative radial nerve palsy, one of which recovered by 6
months and the other had to be planned for tendon transfers. Conclusion: The study confirmed a better union rate and excellent functional
outcome for shaft of humerus fractures treated with anterior bridge plating. The better union rates can be attributed to the biologic fixation and
relative stability which along with early mobilization supports union with abundant callus and less scar