Influence of Timing on Surgical Outcomes for Acute Humeral Shaft Fractures

Surgical treatment for humeral shaft fractures has been reported to yield satisfactory results; however, there may be complications, such as delayed bone union, nonunion, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, and infection. The risk factors for postoperative complications remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of timing of surgery on the incidence of postoperative complications of acute humeral shaft fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 43 patients who underwent osteosynthesis for acute humeral shaft fractures between 2006 and 2020. The patients were divided into early (21 patients) and delayed (22 patients) treatment groups based on the timing of the surgical intervention (within or after four days). Outcomes were the incidences of complications (delayed union, nonunion, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, and infection) and postoperative fracture gaps. We evaluated the outcomes using plain radiographs and clinical notes. In addition, we performed subgroup analyses on outcomes in a subgroup of patients who underwent intramedullary nailing and one who underwent plate fixation. The frequency of delayed union was significantly higher in the delayed group ( P = 0.046 ), and the postoperative fracture gap size was also significantly greater in the delayed group ( P = 0.007 ). The subgroup analyses demonstrated a significant association between the increased incidence of delayed union and delayed surgical interventions only in the intramedullary nailing subgroup ( P = 0.017 ). This study suggests that performing surgery within four days after acute humeral shaft fracture is recommended to reduce the occurrence of delayed union, particularly in cases requiring intramedullary nailing fixation.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Humeral Shaft Fractures via Anterior Approach

BACKGROUND This case series was conducted to evaluate the intraoperative and post-operative outcomes of fracture shaft of humerus managed by indirect reduction and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) via anterior approach. METHODS In this case series 26 diaphyseal fractures of the humerus treated with MIPO, between June 2017 and February 2020 at a tertiary care hospital were included. All the patients were followed up for a minimum period of 2 years postoperatively. The objective was to evaluate these cases clinically for shoulder and elbow range of motion and document any complications. Other parameters such as duration of surgery and radiological time for fracture union were also documented. RESULTS The mean duration for surgery was 86.5 minutes. The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scoring system rated 18 patients (69.2 %) as excellent outcome, 07 patients (26.9 %) as good outcome, and 1 patient (3.8 %) as fair outcome. The MAYO Elbow Performance Scoring system rated 20 patients (76.9 %) as excellent outcome and 06 patients (23.1 %) as good outcome. About 96 % of patients achieved fracture union by the end of 16 weeks post-operatively (mean 13.4 weeks). No complications related to infection, iatrogenic radial nerve injury or implant failure were noted in the study. 4 cases had varus angulation deformity but did not affect shoulder or elbow function. CONCLUSIONS MIPO is a safe and effective technique for the management of diaphyseal humerus fractures, with early fracture healing, less risk of complications such as infection and iatrogenic radial nerve injury, along with a cosmetically acceptable scar. KEYWORDS Fracture Fixation, Fracture Healing, Humeral Fractures, Radial Nerve, Shoulder

Anterolateral approach with two incisions versus posterior median approach in the treatment of middle- and distal-third humeral shaft fractures

Background The surgical approaches remain controversial for the treatment of middle and distal-third humeral shaft (MDTHS) fractures. This study compared clinical effects of the anterolateral approach with two incisions (AATI) and the posterior median approach (PMA) in the treatment of MDTHS fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out. One hundred sixty-six patients with MDTHS fractures were selected from January 2015 to January 2017 in Xi’an Hong Hui Hospital. According to surgical approaches, patients were divided into AATI (86 cases) and PMA group (80 cases). All patients were treated with open reduction and plate fixation. Operation indexes were compared, including incision length, operation time, and bleeding. Bryan-Morrey score was used to evaluate elbow joint function. Complication incidence was compared, such as incision infection, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, and nonunion. Results The AATI group showed smaller incision length, less bleeding, lower iatrogenic radial nerve injury rate, and better elbow function than that of PMA group (P<0.05). Conclusions The middle and distal-third humeral shaft fractures can be successfully cured by both approaches. Compared with the posterior median approach, it has better clinical effects of the anterolateral approach with two incisions, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

Radial nerve palsy following uncomplicated percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Injury to nerve is a well known complication of shoulder subluxation. Radial nerve injury is most commonly seen during percutaneous nephrolithotomy in lateral decubitus region. If the posterior aspect of the humerus is positioned incorrectly leads to radial nerve compression. Lateral decubitus position in percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the main position for posterior and lateral approaches. After percutaneous nephrolithotomy in lateral decubitus position reported the case of radial nerve palsy. A man of 26 year old from left (contralateral) percutaneous nephrolithotomy with signs of right radial nerve palsy on postoperative day number one. The body mass index is 28 & underwent laterally attempted percutaneous nephrolithotomy on the left and he was located about 6 h and 30 min in the lateral decubitus position. Orthopedics, physiotherapy and electromyography were done to treat radial nerve palsy in the post-operative period. It demonstrates complication of the radial nerve palsy which may be related with percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Being aware of the complication can be used to stop pressure points at percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the lateral decubitus position.

Managing Radial Nerve Injuries Associated with Humeral Fracture

The overall prevalence of radial nerve injury after humeral shaft fractures is up to 18% representing the most common peripheral nerve injury associated with long bone fractures. Spiral or oblique fractures of the junction between the middle and distal third of the humeral shaft are at greater risk for radial nerve injury. Iatrogenic damage to the radial nerve may also occur during manipulations of closed reduction. A prospective study between 2017-2019 following 5 patients (all male, with ages between 30 and 56 years old), who were treated at our clinic for complete radial nerve palsy after a high-energy fracture of the humerus. All the patients were followed-up for a mean of 6 months (range 4 - 15 months) post op. The first 3 cases showed the initial signs of recovery 4 weeks after the operation. In the last 2 cases a palliative radial intervention was required. The consequences of the radial nerve palsy associated with humeral fractures is strongly related to trauma mechanism. In high energy fractures, severe contusion or transection of the nerve must be expected. In this case, nerve recovery is unlikely and the patients should be informed of the poor prognosis and the need of tendon transfers.