Plating osteosynthesis of mid-distal humeral shaft fractures: minimally invasive versus conventional open reduction technique

Results of two methods, conventional open reduction–internal plating and minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO), in the treatment of mid-distal humeral shaft fractures were compared. Thirty-three patients were retrospectively analysed and divided into two groups. Group A (n = 17) patients were treated by MIPO and group B (n = 16) by conventional plating. The mean operation time in group A was 92.35 ± 57.68 minutes and 103.12 ± 31.08 minutes in group B (P = 0.513). Iatrogenic radial nerve palsy in group A was 0% (0/17) and 31.3% in group B (5/16 (P = 0.012). The mean fracture union time in group A was 15.29 ± 4.01 weeks (range 8–24 weeks), and 21.25 ± 13.67 weeks (range 10–58 weeks) in group B (P = 0.095). The mean UCLA end-result score in group A was 34.76 ± 0.56 points (range 33–35), and 34.38 ± 1.41 points (range 30–35) in group B (P = 0.299). The mean MEPI in group A was 99.41 ± 2.43 points (range 90–100) and 99.69 ± 1.25 points (range 95–100) in group B ( P = 0.687). When compared to the conventional plating techniques, MIPO offers advantages in terms of reduced incidence of iatrogenic radial nerve palsies and accelerated fracture union and a similar functional outcome with respect to shoulder and elbow function.