Relación anatómica del abordaje posterior de húmero mínimamente invasivo con el nervio radial. Un estudio descriptivo en cadáveres / Anatomical relationship of the posterior minimally invasive surgical approach of the humerus with the radial nerve. A cadaveric model study

Introducción Para las fracturas de húmero diafisario de manejo quirúrgico, los abordajes por mínima invasión mejoran desenlaces. Se han descrito varios. Sin embargo, para el abordaje posterior no existe claridad entre la relación anatómica del nervio radial y las incisiones o la posición de la placa. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la relación anatómica del nervio radial tanto con las incisiones del abordaje posterior por mínima invasión como con la punta distal de la placa. Materiales y métodos se realizó un estudio descriptivo en cadáveres sin traumatismo de miembros superiores, en prono con 45° de abducción de hombro y 90° de flexión de codo, tras deslizar una placa de 2,7 mm. Se consignaron en milímetros las distancias del nervio radial respecto a los puntos de referencia del abordaje y la punta distal de la placa. Resultados Por término medio, la longitud humeral fue 286,6 mm; la distancia del epicóndilo lateral al nervio radial, 155,1 mm; la aponeurosis tricipital al nervio radial, 138,9 mm, y la punta distal de la placa al nervio radial, 155,6 mm. Discusión La fijación con placa por mínima invasión por abordaje posterior puede ser segura para las fracturas de húmero diafisario respecto a la lesión del nervio radial, al ubicar los tornillos de la placa por fuera de 128,5-169,5 mm medidos desde la punta de la placa aunque se requieren estudios clínicos para demostrar la seguridad de este abordaje. Nivel de evidencia clínica Nivel IV.

Background It is well known that the various minimally invasive approaches described improve outcomes for the surgical fixation of diaphyseal humerus fractures. However, there is a lack of information between the anatomical relationship of the radial nerve for the required incisions or for the position of the plate when a posterior approach is used. The objective of the study is to describe the anatomical relationship of the radial nerve with both incisions of the posterior minimally invasive approach, and with the distal tip of the osteosynthesis plate. Materials and methods A descriptive study was performed on cadavers without trauma of upper limbs, in prone with 45° of abduction of shoulder and 90° of elbow flexion. After sliding a plate of 2.7 mm, the distances of the radial nerve with respect to the reference points of the approach and distal tip of the plate were recorded in millimetres. Results A mean humeral length of 286.6 mm was found. The mean distance from the lateral epicondyle to the radial nerve was 155.1 mm. The mean distance from the tricipital aponeurosis to the radial nerve was 138.9 mm, and from the distal tip of the plate to the radial nerve was 155.6 mm. Discussion Plate fixation using minimal invasive technique using a posterior surgical approach may be safe for diaphyseal fractures of the humerus with respect to radial nerve injuries, as long as the plate screws are located outside the range of 128.5 mm to 169.5 mm measured from the tip of the plate. Clinical studies are required to demonstrate the safety of this approach. Evidence level IV.

Tratamiento de las fracturas de húmero diafisarias distales con abordaje posterior mínimamente invasivo y placa extraarticular anatómica / Treatment of distal diaphyseal humeral fractures with minimally invasive posterior approach and anatomical extraarticular plate

Introducción Las fracturas de húmero diafisarias corresponden al 3-5% de las fracturas en general. La distribución de las fracturas que comprometen el tercio distal de la diáfisis es variable con incidencias estimadas entre el 10 y el 48%. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los resultados funcionales y la tasa de consolidación de un grupo de pacientes con fractura diafisaria de húmero del tercio distal con técnica mínimamente invasiva por vía posterior. Materiales y métodos Entre 2013 y 2016 se intervino a 23 pacientes, con una media de edad de 36 años. La valoración funcional se realizó por medio de la Escala de Discapacidades del Hombro, el Codo y la Mano (DASH) abreviada y la medición de los arcos de movilidad de hombro y codo con goniometría; el dolor fue evaluado de acuerdo con la Escala Visual Análoga del Dolor (EVA). Resultados Todas las fracturas consolidaron de forma exitosa, excepto dos casos que presentaron retardo en la consolidación. La lesión del nervio radial previa a la intervención se recuperó de forma progresiva sin requerimiento de transferencias. Los resultados funcionales fueron satisfactorios en un grupo de diez pacientes que completaron más de 1 año de seguimiento. Discusión El abordaje posterior de humero con mínima invasión en el tratamiento de este patrón particular de fracturas parece que muestra una ventaja biológica al permitir una consolidación completa en todos los pacientes. La lesión del nervio radial iatrogénica no parece que aumente en relación con su aislamiento y protección en la porción proximal del tríceps. Nivel de evidencia clínica Nivel IV.

Background Diaphyseal humeral fractures correspond to 3-5% of all fractures. The proportion of these fractures in which the distal third of the diaphysis is involved is variable with estimated incidences between 10-48%. The aim of the study is to evaluate the functional results and rate of fracture consolidation for a group of patients with distal third diaphyseal humeral fractures managed using a minimally invasive technique through a posterior approach. Materials and methods Twenty-two patients (mean age of 36 years) were evaluated between 2013 and 2016. Functional assessment was performed using the DASH abbreviated functional scale. Shoulder and elbow mobility range of motion were measured with goniometry, and pain was measured following the VAS scale. Results All fractures consolidated successfully, with two cases exhibiting delay in consolidation. Radial nerve injury prior to the intervention was progressively recovered without the need for supplementary tendons transfers. Functional results were satisfactory for ten patients that completed more than one year of follow-up. Discussion Minimally invasive technique with posterior approach in the treatment of this particular pattern of humeral fractures seems to show a biological advantage in allowing complete consolidation in all patients. Iatrogenic radial nerve injury does not appear to increase in relation to its isolation and protection in the proximal portion of the triceps. Evidence level IV.

An Anterior Approach to Entire Length of Humerus and to Distal Shaft for Fracture Fixation

BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to confirm the clinical effectiveness and results of wide and single anterior approach for fractures occurring along length of humerus. METHODS: A total of 23 patients with humeral fracture were enrolled into our study who were able to participate in at least one year of follow-up. Seven patients had segmental comminuted humeral fractures and 16 patients had distal humeral fractures. We made various tractions of the muscles to expose the proximal and the middle third humerus between the biceps and brachialis and the distal humerus by partial splitting of lateral side of biceps through a single incision. Postoperatively, we measured the Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI). RESULTS: we achieved bone union in all 23 patients. Solid union of the bone was achieved at an average 13.9 weeks. Postoperatively, two complications were observed screw loosening and nonunion. Revision surgery was performed in both patients. The patient with bone nonunion was treated using bone grafts. No postoperative infections or peripheral neuropathies were observed. At the final follow-up (average 20 months), we found that the average MEPI functional score of the patients was 91.7 points regardless of the fracture site. CONCLUSIONS: Our whole humerus with a single incision was effective for the treatment of segmental comminuted and distal fractures. we believe it is a useful alternative to preexisting methods of fracture fixation.

An Anterior Approach to Entire Length of Humerus and to Distal Shaft for Fracture Fixation

BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to confirm the clinical effectiveness and results of wide and single anterior approach for fractures occurring along length of humerus. METHODS: A total of 23 patients with humeral fracture were enrolled into our study who were able to participate in at least one year of follow-up. Seven patients had segmental comminuted humeral fractures and 16 patients had distal humeral fractures. We made various tractions of the muscles to expose the proximal and the middle third humerus between the biceps and brachialis and the distal humerus by partial splitting of lateral side of biceps through a single incision. Postoperatively, we measured the Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI). RESULTS: we achieved bone union in all 23 patients. Solid union of the bone was achieved at an average 13.9 weeks. Postoperatively, two complications were observed screw loosening and nonunion. Revision surgery was performed in both patients. The patient with bone nonunion was treated using bone grafts. No postoperative infections or peripheral neuropathies were observed. At the final follow-up (average 20 months), we found that the average MEPI functional score of the patients was 91.7 points regardless of the fracture site. CONCLUSIONS: Our whole humerus with a single incision was effective for the treatment of segmental comminuted and distal fractures. we believe it is a useful alternative to preexisting methods of fracture fixation.

Biomechanical study on the novel minimally invasive anterior anatomic locking plate for mid-distal humeral shaft fractures / 医用生物力学

Objective To test the mechanical properties of a self-developed novel anterior mid-distal humerus anatomic locking plate (hereinafter referred to as the new plate) and to improve its design to provide theoretical support for its clinical application. Methods Twenty intact humerus from embalmed human cadavers were obtained and used for the biomechanical test on mid-distal humeral shaft fracture models by using the new plate (group A) and 4.5 mm LC DCP（limited contact dynamic compression plate）(group B), respectively. Both groups were compared under axial compression, medial-lateral bending, medial-lateral three-point bending and external rotation torque. Results The stiffness, strength and stress shielding of the new plate for mid-distal humeral shaft fractures under four different loads were superior to those of 4.5 mm LC-DCP, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusions The new plate can satisfy the requirements of physical training at early stage for fixed mid-distal humeral shaft fractures, which gives great clinical values.

Lateral Approach for Internal Fixation of the Distal Humeral Shaft Fractures

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and advantages of the lateral approach for internal fixation of the distal humeral shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with distal humeral shaft fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using plate and screws by lateral approach from January, 1997 to May, 2002 were investigated. Postoperative results after a minimum 1 year follow-up were assessed using union rate, elapsed time to union, postoperative complications such as iatrogenic radial nerve palsy, range of motion of the elbow joint. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with Mayo elbow performance scoring system. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all cases. The average time to union was 9 weeks (range, 7~12 weeks). Four cases of preoperative radial nerve palsy were revealed as contusion of the intact nerve and resolved completely by three months. The mean elbow range of motion was from 5 to 138 degrees. The average Mayo elbow performance score was 91 points; 9 cases ranked as excellent and 3 as good. CONCLUSION: Distal humeral shaft fractures can be treated successfully through open reduction and internal fixation using plate and screws. Lateral approach is recommended to stabilize distal humeral shaft fractures without compromising the range of motion of the elbow, and to protect or explore the injured radial nerves easily

Functional cast bracing as a treatment for humeral shaft fractures

Sixty-eight fractures of the shaft of the humerus were treated with a function cast brace consisting of a plaster of Paris individually-molded. A good alignment of fracture fragments is maintained and permitted rapid and uninterrupted osteogenesis. The early presumption of functional activity to the entire extremity resulted in condition conclusive to fracture healing and the prevention of contractures and joint stiffness secondary to prolonged immobilization which is fairly common in other forms of treatmentThere are no non-unions encountered, and morbidity is minimum.(Summary)