Minimal invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) in humeral shaft fractures

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the radiological and functional results of humeral shaft fractures treated with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) in our clinic. Material and Methods: Data of 21 humeral shaft fractures of 20 patients treated with MIPPO were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, type of injury, fracture classification according to AO classification and fracture location, smoking, radial nerve injury were recorded. Radiographically, the union at 6th month and alignment were evaluated. Objective results were evaluated in terms of shoulder and elbow range of motion. Subjective results were assessed by the American Shoulder and Elbow Society Score (ASES), University of California, Los Angles (UCLA) score, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), the Disability of The Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score and Constant Shoulder Score. Results: The average elbow motion was 131.4 degrees +/- 19.8 degrees. The mean ASES and UCLA scores were 88.5 +/- 16.4 and 32.1 +/- 5.2, respectively. The mean MEPI and DASH scores were 93.1 +/- 11.3 and 11.8 +/- 20.0, respectively, and the Constant score was mean 9.1 +/- 15.3. Nonunion was observed in two patient at 6th month. Conclusion: We believe that MIPPO is a successful technique for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures with minimal soft tissue damage, intact shoulder and elbow motion function.