Low risk of postoperative ulnar nerve affection in surgically treated distal humeral fractures when the nerve is released in situ

BACKGROUND Adult distal humeral fractures(DHF)comprise 2%-5%of all fractures and 30%of all elbow fractures.Treatment of DHF may be technically demanding due to fracture complexity and proximity of neurovascular structures.Open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF)are often the treatment of choice,but arthroplasty is considered in case of severe comminution or in elderly patients with poor bone quality.Ulnar nerve affection following surgical treatment of distal humerus fractures is a well-recognized complication.AIM To report the risk of ulnar nerve affection after surgery for acute DHFs.METHODS We retrospectively identified 239 consecutive adult patients with acute DHFs who underwent surgery with ORIF,elbow hemiarthroplasty(EHA)or total elbow arthroplasty(TEA)between January 2011 and December 2019.In all cases,the ulnar nerve was released in situ without anterior transposition.We used our institutional database to review patients’medical records for demographics,fracture morphology,type of surgery and ulnar nerve affection immediately;records were reviewed after surgery and at 2 wk and 12 wk of routine clinical outpatient follow-up.Twenty-nine percent patients were excluded due to pre-or postoperative conditions.Final follow-up examination was a telephone interview in which ulnar nerve affection was reported according to the McGowen Classification Score.A total of 210 patients were eligible for interview,but 13 patients declined participation and 17 patients failed to respond.Thus,180 patients were included.RESULTS Mean age at surgery was 64 years(range 18-88 years);121(67.3%)patients were women;59(32.7%)were men.According to the AO/OTA classification system,we recorded 47 patients with type A3,55 patients with type B and 78 patients with type C fractures.According to the McGowen Classification Score,mild ulnar nerve affection was reported in nine patients;severe affection,in two.A total of 69 patients were treated with ORIF of whom three had mild temporary ulnar nerve affection and one had severe ulnar nerve affection.In all,111 patients were treated with arthroplasty(67 EHA,44 TEA)of whom seven had mild ulnar nerve affection and one had severe persistent ulnar nerve affection.No further treatment was provided.CONCLUSION The risk of ulnar nerve affection after surgical treatment for acute DHF is low when the ulnar nerve is released in situ without nerve transposition,independently of the treatment provided.

The Radial Nerve Entrapment in Pediatric Extension-Type Supracondylar Humeral Fractures. About Two Cases Reports

Radial nerve injuries in displaced extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures in children are well known. Entrapment in fracture of radial nerve is uncommon and rarely evocated in literature. We report two similar cases in the mechanism of injury, the clinical findings and the treatment and propose therapeutic guidelines.

Treatment of Bilateral Proximal Humeral Fracture in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report

There are only a few reports about upper extremity fractures in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This is a case report of a PD patient with severe tremors who had proximal humeral fracture. We performed surgery for the left side and conservative treatment for the right side. The patient was a 73-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with PD 10 years prior to presentation. Open reduction internal fixation was conducted for the left proximal humeral fracture. 7 months after the left shoulder fracture, she fell resulting in a right proximal humeral fracture for which she underwent conservative treatment. Although bone union was obtained bilaterally, anterior subluxation occurred in the operated side 9 months postoperative. Screw remove was performed because perforation of the screw was observed in the humeral head and was causing pain. Currently, restriction in range of motion and subluxation may be seen on the side that received conservative treatment, although pain is absent and patient satisfaction is high. On the operated side, there is a marked restriction in range of motion, subluxation, and pain. Our experience revealed that conservative treatment was effective for proximal humeral fractures and that optimal bone union might be obtained even in patients with suboptimal PD control.

Clinical effect of operative vs nonoperative treatment on humeral shaft fractures:Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND Whether operation is superior to non-operation for humeral shaft fracture remains debatable.We hypothesized that operation could decrease the nonunion and reintervention rates and increase the functional outcomes.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy between operative and nonoperative approaches for humeral shaft fractures.METHODS We searched the PubMed,Web of Science,ScienceDirect,and Cochrane databases from 1990 to December 2023 for clinical trials and cohort studies comparing the effects of operative and conservative methods on humeral shaft fractures.Two investigators independently extracted data from the eligible studies,and the other two assessed the methodological quality of each study.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk bias or Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.The nonunion,reintervention and the overall complications and functional scores were pooled and analyzed using Review Manager software(version 5.3).RESULTS A total of four randomized control trials and 13 cohort studies were included,with 1285 and 1346 patients in the operative and nonoperative groups,respectively.Patients in the operative group were treated with a plate or nail,whereas those in the conservative group were managed with splint or functional bracing.Four studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias,and the other 13 were of a low risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane risk bias tool.The operative group had a significantly decreased rate of nonunion[odds ratio(OR)0.30;95%CI:0.23 to 0.40,reintervention(OR:0.33;95%CI:0.24 to 0.47),and overall complications(OR:0.62;95%CI:0.49 to 0.78)].The pooled effect of the Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder,and Hand score showed a significant difference at 3[mean difference(MD)-8.26;95%CI:-13.60 to-2.92],6(MD:-6.72;95%CI:-11.34 to-2.10),and 12 months(MD:-2.55;95%CI:-4.36 to-0.74).The pooled effect of Visual Analog Scale scores and the Constant-Murley score did not significantly differ between the two groups.CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a trend of rapid functional recovery and decreased rates of nonunion and reintervention after operation for humeral shaft fracture compared to conservative treatment.

Clinical outcomes of triceps reflecting anconeus pedicle and olecranon osteotomy approach for distal humerus intercondylar fractures

BACKGROUND The preferred treatment for distal humeral intercondylar fractures is open reduction and internal fixation.While there is consensus about the posterior approach,several posterior approaches have been developed.It is debatable as to which approach is best.AIM To compare triceps reflecting anconeus pedicle(TRAP)and olecranon osteotomy approaches for internal fixation of distal humeral intercondylar fracture.METHODS In total,40 cases of Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association of the Study of Internal Fixation type C,closed,and Gustilo type I intercondylar humeral fractures were included.Patients ranged in age from 18 years to 70 years.The patients were randomized into two groups:TRAP group and olecranon osteotomy group,with 20 cases in each.All were followed up at 6 wk,3 months,6 months,and 12 months.Functional outcomes were measured in terms of flexion-extension arc,Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder and Hand score,and Mayo Elbow Performance Score.RESULTS The mean age was 43.2 years in the TRAP group and 37.5 years in the olecranon osteotomy group.The mean operative time and mean duration of hospital stay in the TRAP group were significantly higher than in the olecranon osteotomy group(119.5 vs 111.5 min and 9.85 vs 5.45 d,respectively).The mean arc of flexion-extension,Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder and Hand score,and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were comparable without any significant difference in the groups at the 12-month follow-up(107.0 vs 106.2,18.3 vs 15.7,and 84.2 vs 86.2,respectively).Ulnar paresthesia and superficial infections were comparable in both groups(2 cases vs 3 cases and 3 cases vs 2 cases,respectively).Hardware prominence was significantly higher in the olecranon osteotomy group,mostly due to tension band wiring.CONCLUSION Both approaches were equivalent,but there is a need for further study including higher numbers of subjects and longer study duration to prove the benefits of one approach over the other.

Complications of the locking plate for displaced proximal humeral fractures

Background Although the locking plate has become popular for treating displaced proximal humeral fractures in recent years, the complications of this method are still underestimated. We tried to evaluate the factors that have an influence on the complications experienced after proximal humeral fractures fixed by locking plates and compare the results from patients having complications with those having no complications. Methods From September 2004 to September 2007, 92 out of 111 displaced proximal humeral fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate were available for follow-up, with an average time of 15.2 months （12-36 months）. The range of motion, Visual Analog Score （VAS） for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons＇ Form （ASES）, Constant-Murley, University of California-Los Angles scoring system （UCLA） score, and Simple Shoulder Test （SST） for function evaluation was all recorded at the latest follow-up. The results from patients with complications were evaluated according to the indices listed above and compared with those patients without any complications. Results There were 17 patients with complications, an 18.5% complication rate. Among them, the forward flexion, external rotation and internal rotation were 139.1°±24.3°, 24.1°±19.6°, and up to T10 level on average. The mean VAS score was 1.0±1.1, the ASES score was 82.9±13.8, the Constant 82.1±11.8, the UCLA 28.5±4.1 and the mean SST 9.5 on average. There was no significant difference of complication rate among different age, sex, and injured side, fresh or delayed fracture, combined with other injury or not groups. Compared with the group without complications, patients with complications showed significantly less external rotation and lower Constant-Murley and UCLA functional scores （P 〈0.05）. A significant difference in results was seen between patients with complications and those without complications. Conclusion The indication control and appropriate surgical technique were important while performing the locking plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures.

Locking system strengthened by biomimetic mineralized collagen putty for the treatment of osteoporotic proximal humeral fractures

The current study is to observe the effect of the locking system strengthened by biomimetic mineralized collagen putty for the treatment of senile proximal humeral osteoporotic fractures.From January 2012 to December 2015,80 cases of senile patients with osteoporotic proximal humeral fractures were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,each group with a total of 40 cases.The control group was simply treated with locking plate.The observation group was treated with locking plate in combination with biomimetic mineralized collagen putty.The therapeutic effect thereby was observed.The excellent and satisfactory rate was 90%in observation group and was 72.5%in control group.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(χ^(2)=5.3312,P<0.05).The fracture healing time was 11.8263.62 weeks in observation group and 19.7865.46 weeks in control group.The shoulder joint function score was 89.6368.12 in observation group and 76.9268.18 in control group.There was significant difference between the two groups(t=7.1272;12.7834,P<0.05).The complication rate was 10%in the observation group and 32.5%in the control group(χ^(2)=7.3786,P<0.05).Locking system strengthened by biomimetic mineralized collagen putty has advantages such as accelerating healing of senile proximal humeral fracture,improving the therapeutic effect,reducing the complications.As one of the optimal internal fixation method,it provides a new option for better treatment of senile osteoporotic fracture.

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures

Objective: To investigate the indication, perioperative announcements, selection of prosthesis and clinical results of shoulder hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures.Methods: A total of 55 patients who suffered from com-plex proximal humeral fractures were treated by shoulder hemiarthroplasty. The mean age was 55.6 years and mean follow-up period was 25.1 months. The scoring system modi-fication for hemiarthroplasty (SSMH) had been adopted for evaluation at the latest follow-up.Results: The pain was obviously relieved in all patients. Fifty patients were painless and 5 patients had slight pain. The mean range of motion was 100°(90°-110°) in abduction, 95°(80°-100°) in forward flexion, 35°(30°-40°) in extemal rotation and internal rotation was confined at L2 level (L1-L3). The mean SSMH score was 27.9 (24-29). Fifty patients (90.1%) were satisfied with the clinical outcome.Conclusions: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is an effective method to treat complex proximal humeral fractures. The proper selection of patients and prosthesis, good operation skill and enough functional exercise are the key points of successful treatment.

Radial nerve recovery following closed nailing of humeral shaft fractures without radial nerve exploration: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Radial nerve palsy due to humeral shaft fracture is the most common peripheral nerve injury associated with long bone fractures.An antegrade nailing surgical technique is becoming popular for the fixation of these fractures with minimal invasiveness.We analyzed nerve recovery in patients with humeral shaft fracture and radial nerve palsy treated with humeral nail fixation without nerve exploration.AIM To assess the radial nerve recovery rate and time from humeral shaft fracture with surgical treatment using close nailing.METHODS We retrospectively collected data of patients who underwent undergone surgical nail fixation for humeral shaft fractures between October 1,2016,and March 31,2020.Subsequently,we analyzed the primary or secondary radial nerve palsy recovery rate and radial nerve motor function recovery time.RESULTS The study included 70 patients who underwent surgical treatment for closed-or Gustilo type I open humeral shaft fractures using a nail fixation technique without radial nerve exploration.The patients suffered from primary(n=5)and secondary(n=5)radial nerve palsy.A 100%radial nerve recovery rate was achieved.The mean recovery time was 4.3 mo.CONCLUSION The study results indicate full recovery of radial nerve palsies from humeral shaft fracture using close nailing treatment.Surgeons need not be concerned about the occurrence of permanent nerve palsies.

Humeral head replacement and individualized rehabilitation for displaced four-part fractures of proximal humerus

Objective To investigate the clinical outcome of humeral head replacement and individualized rehabilitation for displaced four-part fractures of proximal humerus,to provide clinical guideline of treating complicated fractures of

Unilateral external fixator in the treatment of lower third humeral shaft fractures

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the effect of unilateral external fixators in the treatment of lower third humeral shaft fractures.Methods: From October 1997 to October 2003, 33 patients aged 15 -70 years (average 31 years) with lower third humeral shaft fractures were treated with unilateral external fixators. There were 9 spiral fractures (type A1), 1 oblique fracture (type A2), 3 transverses fractures (type A3) and 20 comminuted fractures (11 type B1, 9 type B2) according to AO classification. Fifteen cases were treated with open reduction and limited internal fixation and fixation with external fixators, 10 cases treated with open reduction and fixation with external fixators, and 8 cases treated with closed reduction and fixation with external fixators. Nerve exploration was undertaken in 9 cases with preoperative radial nerve injury. External fixators were removed after bone healing. The average follow-up was 18 months with a range from 8 to 24 months. Results: The time of bone healing ranged 11-22 weeks (average 14 weeks). The latest follow-up showed the functions of 9 cases of preoperative radial nerve injury and of 2 cases postoperative radial nerve injury and the function of elbow were recovered to normal. There were only 7 cases of superficial infection at pin hole, which was subsided by using oral antibiotics and pin-hole care with mild disinfectants.Conclusions: Fixation with unilateral external fixators combined with open reduction and limited internal fixation has a good effect in the treatment of lower third humeral shaft fractures.

Ultrasonography for non-displaced and mini-displaced humeral lateral condyle fractures in children

Objective： To evaluate the value of ultrasonography in non-isplaced and mini-displaced humeral lateral condyle fractures in children. Methods： Nine children aged 2-9 years with non-displaced or mini-displaced humeral lateral condyle fractures were examined by high-resolution ultrasonography. The fracture line through the joint surface was visualized by ultrasonography in 6 case, in which closed reduction and percutaneous pinning was performed on 3 patients and other 3 patients did not receive the treatment because of patients＇ or their parents＇refusal. In the remaining 3 children, ultra- sonography did not reveal the cartilaginous trochle involvement at the joint surface and conservative treatment was adopted. Results： The average follow-up period was 8 months. The sonographic findings were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging in one child who received conservative treat-ment and another child who received percutaneous pinning. The elbow function and fracture healing were good in cases received closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Among the three cases who refused to receive closed reduction and internal fixation, re-displacement occurred in 1 case and delayed union in 1 case. All three cases receiving conservative treatment had good results both in elbow function and fracture healing. Conclusion： High-resolution ultrasonography enable to reveal non-displaced and mini-displaced humeral lateral condyle fractures as well as to ascertain whether the cartilaginous trochlea humeri was involved. For these cases, arthrography or magnetic resonance imaging is unnecessary.

latrogenic brachial artery injury during anterolateral plat- ing of humeral shaft fracture

There are several well defined indications for surgical management of humeral shaft fractures.Operative procedures on the humerus are associated with their own complications.Iatrogenic brachial artery injury as a complication of humeral shaft plating has not been reported previously.We report a case of a 48 years old femalewho received operation at a district hospital and was referred to us when the surgeon could not palpate the pulse.CT angiogram showed that there was segmental non-opacification of the brachial artery.There was distal reformation and the thrombosis was decided to be managed conservatively.We believe that the arterial injury was a result ofimproper surgical technique and the segmental block might be due to improper use of plate holding forceps.This case report makes us aware of a rare complication of operative management of humeral shaft fractures and that basic principles of surgery must be always followed to prevent such injuries.

Biomechanical Study of the Fixation Strength of Anteromedial Plating for Humeral Shaft Fractures

Background： Open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws are the gold standard for the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures, this study was to compare the mechanical properties ofanteromedial, anterolateral, and posterior plating for humeral shaft fractures. Methods： A distal third humeral shaft fracture model was constructed using fourth-generation sawbones （#3404, composite bone）. A total of 24 sawbones with a distal third humeral shaft fracture was randomly divided into three Groups： A, B, and C （n = 8 in each group） for anteromedial, anterolateral, and posterior plating, respectively. All sawbones were subjected to horizontal torsional fatigue tests, horizontal torsional and axial compressive fatigue tests, four-point bending fatigue tests in anteroposterior （AP） and mediolateral （ML） directions and horizontal torsional destructive tests. Results： In the horizontal torsional fatigue tests, the mean torsional angle amplitude in Groups A, B, and C were 6.12°, 6.53°, and 6.81°. In horizontal torsional and axial compressive fatigue tests, the mean torsional angle amplitude in Groups A, B, and C were 5.66°, 5.67°, and 6.36°. The mean plate displacement amplitude was 0.05 mm, 0.08 mm, and 0.10 mm. Group A was smaller than Group C （P 〈 0.05）. In AP four-point bending fatigue tests, the mean plate displacement amplitude was 0.16 ram, 0.13 ram, and 0.20 mm. Group B was smaller than Group C （P 〈 0.05）. In ML lbur-point bending fatigue tests, the mean plate displacement amplitude were 0.16 mm, 0.19 ram, and 0.17 ram. In horizontal torsional destructive tests, the mean torsional rigidity in Groups A, B, and C was 0.82, 0.75, and 0.76 N·m/deg. The yielding torsional angle was 24.50°, 25.70°, and 23.86°. The mean yielding torque was 18.46, 18.05. and 16.83 N·m, respectively. Conclusions： Anteromedial plating was superior to anterolateral or posterior plating in all mechanical tests except in AP four-point bending fatigue tests compared to the anterolateral plating group. We can suggest that anteromedial plating is a clinically safe and effective way for humeral shaft fractures.

Influence of Medial Support Screws on the Maintenance of Fracture Reduction after Locked Plating of Proximal Humerus Fractures

Background： Technical aspects of the correct placement of medial support locking screws in the locking plate for proximal humerus fractures remain incompletely understood. This study was to evaluate the clinical relationship between the number of medial support screws and the maintenance of fracture reduction after locked plating of proximal humerus fractures. Methods： We retrospectively evaluated 181 patients who had been surgically treated for proximal humeral fractures （PHFs） with a locking plate between September 2007 and June 2013. All cases were then subdivided into one of four groups as follows： 75 patients in the medial cortical support （MCS） group, 26 patients in the medial multiscrew support （MMSS） group, 29 patients in the medial single screw support （MSSS） group, and 51 patients in the 11o medial support （NMS） group. Clinical and radiographic evaluations included the Constant-Murley score （CM）, visual analogue scale （VAS）, complications, and revision surgeries. The neck-shaft angle （NSA） was measured in a true anteroposterior radiograph immediately postoperation and at final follow-up. One-way analysis of variance or KruskaI-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis of measurement data, and Chi-square test or Fisher＇s exact test was used for categorical data. Results： The mean postoperative NSAs were 133.46°± 6.01°, 132.39° ± 7.77°. 135.17° ± 10.15°, and 132.41° ± 7.16° in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively, and no significant differences were found （F = 1.02, P= 0.387）. In the final follow-up, the NSAs were 132.79° ±6.02°, 130.19° ± 9.25°, 131.28° ± 12.85°, and 127.35° ± 8.50° in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （F = 4.40, P = 0.008）. There were marked differences in the NSA at the final follow-up between the MCS and NMS groups （P = 0.004）. The median （interquartile range [IQR]） NSA losses were 0.0° （0.0-1.0）°, 1.3° （0.0-3.1）°, 1.5° （ 1.0-5.2）°, and 4.0° （ 1.2 -7.1 ）° in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （H = 60.66, P 〈 0.001 ）. There were marked differences in NSA loss between the MCS and the other three groups （MCS vs. MMSS, Z = 3.16, P = 0.002; MCS vs. MSSS, Z = 4.78, P 〈 0.001; and MCS vs. NMS, Z = 7.34, P 〈 0.001）. There was also significantly less NSA loss observed in the MMSS group compared to the NMS group （Z = -3.16, P = 0.002）. However, there were no significant differences between the MMSS and MSSS groups （Z = -1.65, P = 0.225） or the MSSS and NMS groups （Z =- 1.21, P = 0.099）. The average CM scores were 81.35 ± 9.79, 78.04± 8.97, 72.76 ± 10.98, and 67.33 ± 12.31 points in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （F = 18.68, P 〈 0.001）. The rates of excellent and good CM scores were 86.67%, 80.77%, 65.52%, and 43.14% in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （ X^2 = 29.25, P 〈 0.001 ）. The median （IQR） VAS scores were 1 （0-2）, l （0 2）,2 （ 1-3）, and 3 （1-5） points in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （H = 27.80, P 〈 0.001）. Functional recovery was markedly better and VAS values were lower in the MCS and MMSS groups （for CM scores： MCS vs. MSSS, P 〈 0.001 ; MCS vs. N MS. P 〈 0.001; MMSS vs. MSSS, P= 0.031 and MMSS vs. NMS, P 〈 0.001 and for VAS values： MCS vs. MSSS, Z=3.31, P = 0.001： MCS vs. NMS, Z = 4.64, P 〈 0.001; MMSS vs. MSSS, Z = -2.09, P = 0.037： and MMSS vs. NMS, Z=-3.16, P = 0.003）.Conclusions： Medial support screws might help enhance mechanical stability and maintain fracture reduction when used to treat PHFs with medial metaphyseal comminution or malreduction.

Open reduction and internal fixation for displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children with crossed K-wires via lateral approach

Objective： To assess the therapeutic results of open reduction and internal fixation with crossed K-wires via lateral approach for displaced supracondvlar fractures of the humerus in children. Methods： We prospectively followed 52 children who presented with Gartland type 3 displaced supraeondylar fractures of the humerus and were managed by open reduction and internal fixation with crossed K-wires via lateral approach.There were 37 male and 15 female patients; average age was 7.39 years. The most common mechanism of trauma was fall while playing （n=23）, followed by fall from height （n=20）, road traffic accidents （n-5） and fall from standing height （n=2）. In 2 cases, mode of injury was not available. The mean follow-up was 12 months and patients were assessed according to Flynn＇s criteria. Results： Lateral approach provided an excellent view of the lateral column between two nervous planes and enabled an anatomical reduction in all cases. Immobilizing the elbow at 90 degrees or more of flexion was not needed after cross K-wire fixation. Majority of patients regained full range of motion within 6 weeks of pin removal. Two patients had postoperative ulnar nerve injuries that resolved after pin removal. The common late complication of cubitus varus was not seen in any patient. Delayed presentation to the emergency department, repeated manipulations by bone setters and massage with edible oil were responsible for stiffness in 5 patients. Superficial pin tract infection was noted in 5 patients that resolved with dressings and antibiotics. No deep infection occurred. A detailed clinical examination and radiographic analysis was done at final follow-up. They included measurement of carrying angle and range of movements of both operated and normal sides, and radiographs of both upper limbs for comparison. According to Flynn＇s criteria, 90.4% patients showed satisfactory results. Conclusion： Lateral approach for open reduction and internal fixation of the widely-displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus is safe and straightforward, ensuring anatomical reduction and excellent function. The approach is easy and familiar to most orthopedic surgeons in our setup.

Incidence and predictors of radial nerve palsy with the anterolateral brachialis splitting approach to the humeral shaft

Purpose： Fractures of the humeral shaft are common and account for 3%-5%; of all orthopedic injuries. This study aims to estimate the incidence of radial nerve palsy and its outcome when the anterior approach is employed and to analyze the predictive factors. Methods： The study was performed in the department of orthopaedics unit of a tertiary care trauma referral center. Patients who underwent surgery for acute fractures and nonunions of humerus shaft through an anterior approach from January 2007 to December 2012 were included. We retrospectively analyzed medical records, including radiographs and discharge summaries, demographic data, surgical procedures prior to our index surgery, AO fracture type and level of fracture or nonunion, experience of the operating surgeon, time of the day when surgery was performed, and radial nerve palsy with its recovery condition. The level of humerus shaft fracture or nonunion was divided into upper third, middle third and lower third. Irrespective of prior surgeries done elsewhere, the first surgery done in our institute through an anterior approach was considered as the index surgery and subsequent surgical exposures were considered as secondary procedures. Results： Of 85 patients included, 19 had preoperative radial nerve palsy. Eleven （16%） patients developed radial nerve palsy after our index procedure. Surgeons who have two or less than two years of surgical experience were 9.2 times more likely to induce radial nerve palsy （p = 0.002）. Patients who had surgery between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. were about 8 times more likely to have palsy （p = 0.004）. The rest risk factor is AO type A fractures, whose incidence of radial nerve palsy was 1.3 times as compared with type B fractures （p=0.338）. For all the 11 patients, one was lost to follow-up and the others recovered within 6 months. Conclusion： Contrary to our expectations, secondary procedures and prior multiple surgeries with failed implants and poor soft tissue were not predictive factors of postoperative deficit. From our study, we also conclude that radial nerve recovery can be reasonably expected in all patients with a postoperative palsy following the anterolateral approach.

Bilateral traumatic proximal humerus fractures managed by open reduction and internal fixation with locked plates

Fractures of the proximal humerus are uncommon in young patients.Although bilateral fracture of proximal humerus itself is rare,association with epilepsy and electrocution is frequent.Only one case of traumatic bilateral proximal humerus fracture has been reported in the literature.We report a rare case of bilateral traumatic displaced proximal humerus fractures in a 40 years old male patient,which was treated by means of open reduction and internal fixation with proximal humerus locked pates on both sides and obtained a good functional outcome.

Combined radial and median nerve injury in diaphysea fracture of humerus： a case report

Radial nerve palsy is the most common neurological involvement in humeral shaft fractures.But combined radial and median nerve injury in a closed diaphyseal fracture of the humerus is rare.Combined injury to both radial and median nerve can cause significant disability.A detailed clinical examination is therefore necessary following humeral shaft fractures.We report a patient with closed diaphyseal humeral fracture （AO 12A-2.3） together with radial and median nerve palsy,its management and review of the literature.As the patient had two nerves involved,surgical exploration was planned.Fracture was reduced and fixed with a 4.5 mm narrow dynamic compression pla te.There was no external injury to both radial and median nerves on surgical exploration.Neurological recovery started at 3 weeks＇ follow-up.Complete recovery was seen at 12 weeks.Careful clinical examination is of the utmost importance in early diagnosis of combined nerve injuries,which allows better management and rehabilitation of the patient.

Selection of approach and fixation in the treatment of type C fracture of distal humerus in adults

Objective：To study the surgical treatment for distal humeral fractures in adults according to the follow-up results.Methods： Twenty-one cases （16 males and 5 females）of distal humeral fracture were included in this study. The average age was 42.5 years （range： 37-52 years）. Fractures were classified according to the AO classification system.Nine cases of C1,8 C2 and 4 C3-type fractures were identified.Open reduction and internal fixation were performed in all cases. A tricep-reflecting approach was adopted, and either the AO orthogonal plating or parallel plating technique was chosen,based on the fracture type. The plaster cast was removed 3 weeks after operation. Rehabilitation was encouraged during this period and afterwards. The average follow-up time was 12.2 months （range： 8-28 months）. The outcome was scored according to Aitken and Rorabeek system.Results：No nerve injury,nonunion or failure of fixation was encountered during the operation and follow-up.However, ossifying myosifis occurred in one case.Conclusions：A triceps-reflecting approach can provide adequate exposure to the joint. The use of AO orthogohal plating or parallel plating techniques based on the type of fractures can provide rigid fixation for the fracture.