Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Fixation of Diaphyseal Humeral Fractures Using the Minimally Invasive Bridge-plate Technique

OBJECTIVE The aim was to describe the experience of our group in treating humeral shaft fractures using the bridge-plate technique via an anterior approach. METHODS Seventeen patients with acute diaphyseal humeral fractures with an indication for surgical treatment who were operated in 2006-2010 were evaluated. The AO and Gustilo & Anderson classifications were used. All the patients were operated using the anterior bridge-plate technique and completed a follow-up period of at least twelve months. RESULTS Sixteen men and one woman were treated. Their mean age was 31.8 years (18-52). Among the injury mechanisms found were: five motorcycle accidents, four car accidents, three fractures due to firearm projectiles, two falls to the ground and finally, with one case each, assault, crushing and being run over. Eight patients had open fractures: two grade I, one grade II, four grade IIIa and one grade IIIb, according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification. In relation to the AO classification, we found: one 12A1, three 12A2, four 12A3, one 12B1, four 12 B2, three 12B3 and one 12C2. The mean postoperative follow-up was 25 months (12-48). As complications, two patients had pain in the elbow and a ROM deficit and one had deep infection. The mean time taken to achieve consolidation was 17.5 weeks. There was no loss of reduction, pseudarthrosis or malunion in this series of patients. CONCLUSION The authors believe that the technique described has low rates of complications and morbidity, with good initial results, although the series is limited by the small sample.