Percutaneous fixation of segmental fractures of the humerus

Objective
To present our experience of treatment of patients with diaphyseal segmental fractures of the humerus using minimal access surgery and a standard low-contact dynamic compression plate.
Patients and methods
Twenty four patients (18 men and six women), average age 29.8 years (range 17–46 years), presented with a closed segmental diaphyseal fracture of the humerus without neurological deficit and were operated upon by minimal access and percutaneous fixation to preserve the soft tissue and the fracture hematoma.
Results
Twenty three fractures united, and all patients had good range of motion in the adjacent joints. Axial and rotational malalignment did not exceed 15° and did not affect limb function. In one patient, there was delayed union at the distal level of fracture by the end of the third month and bone grafting was performed without revision of fixation.
Conclusion
Percutaneous fixation of segmental fractures of the humeral shaft is an alternative to standard open surgery and intramedullary fixation, reducing surgical impact and yielding an excellent functional result.