Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of proximal humeral fracture

The management of fractures of the proximal shaft of the humerus has been evolving since the development of new techniques and new implants in recent years. It seems that this kind of fracture has an increasing incidence in the older, osteoporotic population. In the last 2 years, we have operated on 17 patients, with an average age of 65, who had proximal humeral shaft fractures treated by minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique using the metaphyseal locking compression plate. Our study evaluated the surgical technique used and the outcome for these patients with regards to their range of movement and shoulder function. Our results showed that all the patients could achieve at least 140º of shoulder abduction in the first 6 months after the operation, except for three patients who had shoulder impingement. These patients had an average Constant score of 76.8. All fractures had bony union at 6 months, except one, which was probably due to poor reduction in the initial operation. Another complication that we encountered was radial nerve neuropraxia. The ways to prevent these complications are discussed. In conclusion, MIPO fixation using the metaphyseal locking compression plate is a good option for the management of proximal humeral shaft fractures. It provides early functional recovery, but we had to pay special attention to some of the surgical details in order to minimise complications.