Treatment of Middle third Humeral shaft fracture by Anteromedial plate through anterolateral approach

Abstract

Objective : Open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws are the gold standard for the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of surgical treatment for humeral shaft fractures using anteromedial plating through an anterolateral approach.

Methods :  A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2024, including patients who presented with humeral shaft fractures and underwent surgical fixation with anteromedial plating through an anterolateral approach. Patient data, clinical outcomes, and radiographic results were collected and analyzed.

Result : The study included a total of 63 patients, comprising 44 males and 19 females, with an average age of 35.4 years (range 19–63 years). The mean operative time per case was 78 minutes (range 60–90 minutes). Most patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks post-surgery (57 patients, 90.5%), while 4 patients (6.3%) achieved union within 16 weeks. There were no immediate postoperative complications, especially radial nerve injuries. All patients regained a normal range of motion of the elbow after fracture healing and could resume daily activities without restrictions.

Conclusion :  Surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures using anteromedial plating through an anterolateral approach demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of bone healing and elbow range of motion. No significant complications, such as radial nerve injury, were observed in this study. This technique may be clinically useful due to its safety and simplicity.