[Minimally invasive fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis for complex humeral fracture]

Two cases of complex humeral fractures are presented that were stabilised by a minimally invasive approach using a long fixed-angle humerus plate. Postoperative treatment and bone healing were uneventful. Followed by careful preparation of a proximal deltoid split access and a subtle dissection of the m. brachialis the plate can be placed epiperiosteally and the screws can be applied using the"moving window" principle. Fixed-angle fixation with the internal fixator principle allows treating the radial nerve in the direct neighbourhood of the plate with circumspect without full contact between the bone and the plate. The technique can be recommended for complex combined meta- and diaphyseal fractures of the upper two-thirds of the humerus.