Publication:

Follow up assessment of patients with humeral bridge plate technique with two year period

Background Minimally invasive technique brings together the ease of handling of plates and the relative stability principle of nails. Although there are still only a few studies on this, the initial results have been very satisfactory. The aim of the present study was to report the experience of our shoulder and elbow surgery group relating to treatment of fractures of the humerus, by means of the bridge plate technique, using an anterior route.

Methods The present study included twenty patients suffering from humerus shaft fracture. The study was done for a total period of two years. The immobilization of the operated shoulder was done till the stitches were removed and average period of the three weeks were kept for immobilization of the shoulder. At the end of the period of immobilization, the patients were asked to perform the active gentle limb range of motion exercises on the basis of their permission of the pain control.

Results On the basis of the UCLA score the excellent to good score were found in 16 cases, fair score in rest 4 patients. Less than 5° of valgus angulation intra operatively and on following these patients up, in 4 of the cases the angulation was found to be of acceptable alignment. In the two cases, 5° of varus, angulations was found at the end of one year but it did not affect the functional outcome.

Conclusions Anterior bridge plating after anterior approach is safe and reproducible option, respects the principles of biological fixation with minimal soft tissue dissection, preserves fracture haematoma and periosteal blood supply, and is more forgiving in comminute fractures of the diaphysis.