Management of AO type 12C humerus proximal metadiaphyseal fractures with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in geriatric patients.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the treatment efficacy and complications of the lateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) method in geriatric patients with a humerus diaphyseal fracture with proximal extension.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included a total of 21 patients (18 females, 3 males; mean age 74±6.3 years, range 65-89 years) who underwent surgery with the lateral MIPO technique for a humerus diaphyseal fracture with proximal extension during the period January 2011 to December 2016. None of the patients had additional injuries and all completed regular follow-up. According to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation classification system, the fractures were evaluated as 12C1 in 17 cases and 12C3 in 4 cases. All patients were evaluated radiologically and functionally at 6 months and 1 year. In the follow-up evaluations, the Constant-Murley score and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) score were used.

RESULTS

No non-union, avascular necrosis or infection was seen in any patient. The mean time to union was 15.7 weeks. Impingement syndrome was seen in 2 patients and radial nerve palsy in 2 patients. The mean Constant-Murley score was 70.6±10.2 at 6 months and 84±7.6 at the end of 1 year. The mean Q-DASH score was 38.6±15.1 at 6 months and 21.9±13.1 at the end of 1 year. The increase in the Constant-Murley scores from 6 months to 1 year was statistically significant (<0.0001). The decrease in the Q-DASH scores between 6 months and 1 year was determined to be statistically significant. In the 2 patients with radial nerve palsy, the functions were seen to completely recover during follow-up. No axillary nerve palsy was seen in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Metadiaphyseal humerus fractures with proximal extension in the elderly can be successfully treated with the lateral MIPO technique. When applied correctly, it is a method with high rates of union and low rates of complications.