[Anterolateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique for distal humeral shaft fracture]

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the modified anterolateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique for distal humeral shaft fracture, and to explore its feasibility, security, advantage and disadvantage.

Th e clinical efficacy of 17 patients with distal humeral shaft fracture, who were treated with the anterolateral humerus minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis during 2009 to 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. Th e operative time, bleeding volume, complications, esseous union time and range of motion (ROM) of elbow were recorded, and the functional outcome of elbow joint was evaluated by Mayo elbow performance score (MEPs). The varus angle was measured in the malunion patients aft er the distal humeral shaft fracture healed.

All of the 17 patients obtained bony union at an average of 19.2 weeks postoperatively, an average of 4.5 screwes were inserted in distal humerus. Th e mean ROM of elbows was 133° and the MEPS were 98.2. Seven patients suffered humeral malalignment and the mean varus degrees were 8.3°.

The technique of anterolateral humerus minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is safe and feasible for distal humeral shaft, and the satisfactory clinical outcomes can be obtained by this modified technique. However, some of the patients may appear malunion with varus angulation of humerus.