Posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of distal third humeral shaft fractures with segmental isolation of the radial nerve.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of a cohort of patients with distal third humeral shaft fractures treated using a posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Twenty-one patients were retrospectively evaluated, 13 men and 8 women with an average age of 37 years. The surgery was performed through two posterior incisions away from the fracture site. The radial nerve was identified and protected. The fracture was fixed with a narrow 4.5/5.0mm locking compression plate. After an average follow-up of 22 months, flexion-extension of the elbow was 138°±7°, with a range of motion of 131°. Shoulder motion was 160° in forward flexion, 59° in external rotation, and internal rotation was to the spinous process of 9th thoracic vertebra. Pain severity was 0.5 on the VAS. The DASH score was 9. Average Constant score was 84. MEPI was 97. Fracture union was obtained in all patients. One patient developed transient postoperative radial nerve palsy. These results demonstrate that the posterior MIPO technique is a reliable option for treating distal third humeral shaft fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.