The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 68, Issue 3 430-433, Copyright © 1986 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Open reduction and internal fixation of humeral shaft fractures. Results using AO plating techniques
R Vander Griend, J Tomasin and EF Ward
Thirty-six patients with an acute fracture of the humeral shaft were
treated by open reduction and internal fixation using AO plating
techniques. In thirty-two patients an open fracture or multiple injuries,
or both, were the indications for internal fixation. Four patients were
treated after non-operative treatment failed to maintain a satisfactory
reduction. Follow-up was possible for thirty-four patients and showed that
thirty-three fractures united primarily and one failed to unite,
necessitating two subsequent procedures. Two superficial wound infections
in patients with an open fracture and one transient postoperative
radial-nerve palsy were the only complications. A functional range of
motion in the elbow and shoulder was regained in all but six patients, and
they had severe skeletal or soft-tissue injuries in the same extremity.
When indicated, internal fixation using plating techniques can give good
results provided the correct principles of fixation are carefully followed.
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