OBJECTIVETo discuss the method and effects of treatment of minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) through anterior approach for the treatment of humerus shaft fractures.

METHODS2006.1 to 2007.10,15 patients with humerus shaft fractures were treated with MIPO through anterior approach. There were 11 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 16 to 59 years, with an average of 35 years old. The duration of the disease was 7.5 days on average (5 to 10 days). Six patients had Type A fractures, 8 Type B, and 1 Type C according to AO classification. The AO LC-DCP with diameter of 4.5 mm was chosen in the operation. The patients were physically examined preoperatively and postoperatively, the range of motion of shoulder and elbow joint was observed, and the joint function was included.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for a period ranging from 5 to 18 months,averaged 10 months. In terms of Gill ipsilateral total shoulder and elbow arthroplasties, 12 patients got an excellent result (> or = 80 scores), 3 good (between the scores of 66 and 79). The Gill score increased from preoperative (59.33 +/- 8.21) to postoperative (84.67 +/- 5.81). Fractures were healed after 2 to 3 months after operation, and patients resumed daily life without the complications of nervous lesion, incision infection, internal fixation failure and nonunion of fracture etc.

CONCLUSIONIt is feasible for the treatment of humerus shaft fracture using MIPO through anterior approach,to avoid radial nerve injury and to prompt fracture union.