Percutaneous fixation of comminuted fractures of the humerus: initial experience at Al Razi hospital, Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE

To present initial experience of 12 cases of percutaneous plating of the comminuted fractures of the humerus using minimal access surgery and standard low-contact dynamic compression plate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twelve patients (11 males and 1 female) with an average age of 29.8 years (range 17-46 years) with comminuted diaphyseal fractures of the humerus were treated by minimal access surgery using standard AO/ASIF implants. Fracture was reduced indirectly either by manipulation or by a femoral distractor. Image intensifier was used to monitor the reduction and fixation. The plate was fixed on the anterior surface of the humerus using proximal and distal minimal incision on the anterior aspect of the upper arm.

RESULTS

All fractures were united, and all patients had a good range of motion in the adjacent joints. In 1 patient, there was a transient neurological deficit.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous fixation of comminuted fractures of the humeral shaft is an alternative to standard open surgery, reducing the surgical impact and giving an excellent functional result.