Summary

the result of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in this study shows that this method of treatment due to short healing time and faster rehabilitation, although limited ROM occur but in power athletes who don't need to full ROM, this method may help them to return to their previous sport level.

Abstract

Background

proximal humeral fractures (PHF) are one of the most prevalent injuries among upper limb fractures.There is no consensus about the most appropriate treatment option. Based on the increasing use of minimally invasive surgeries by orthopedists, in current study, we aimed to investigate the outcomes of treating PHF using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).

Materials And Methods

There were 24 patients contributed in the current study. The PHFs were fixated by MIPO using locking plates. The patients were followed for one year. The measured variables included rate of union, wound-relate complications, neurovascular complications, other surgery-related complications, range of shoulder motion, pain intensity based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional outcomes using disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score.

Results

All of the fractures were united within weeks 8 to 16. One patient developed superficial infection treated with oral antibiotics. Iatrogenic axillary nerve injury occurred in 3 patients (12.5%) resolved within 4 months. Greater tuberosity avulsed in two patients resulted in subacromial impingement. The average range of forward flexion, abduction and external rotation was 141±39, 129±31 and 28±22 degrees. DASH score averaged 21.2±6.3. The pain intensity was 1.3±1. Two patients required analgesics sometimes.

Conclusion

Regarding the good functional outcomes, acceptable range of motion, low pain intensity and low rate of complications, the authors recommend using MIPO technique for PHF especially in power athletes who don’t need full range of motion.