Indications, dangers and results of surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures

A series of 78 fractures of the humeral shaft is presented that were treated operatively between 1978 and 1987. Open fractures, fractures with primary palsy of the radial nerve, distal fractures with an intraarticular component, fractures in polytraumatized patients and non-unions were absolute indications for operative stabilization in this series. In 71 fractures, internal stabilization was performed and in 7 fractures external fixation. In 16 fractures (20.6%), primary palsy of the radial nerve was present. In 10 patients (12.8%), radial nerve palsy appeared postoperatively. Nonunions and deep infections did not occur. In two cases, a second osteosynthesis was necessary after loosening of the implants. The humeral shaft fracture shows normal bony consolidation after conservative treatment as well as appropriate plate osteosynthesis. Nine of the 16 patients with primary radial nerve palsy (56.2%) and 6 of the 10 patients with secondary radial nerve palsy (60%) had total functional recovery. In our series, intraoperative palsy of the radial nerve was the most frequent complication after dissection of spiroid fractures in the middle or lower third of the humeral shaft. In this fracture form, a more unstable osteosynthesis, such as intramedullary pinning in accordance to Hackethal, should be chosen.     

Fractures of the humeral shaft: a retrospective study of 240 adult fractures.

Of 240 humeral fractures, 60 per cent occurred in patients under 35 years old, 39 per cent of fractures being in the middle third of the shaft, 28 per cent were open with an infection rate of 4 per cent. Radial nerve palsy was present in 18 per cent; midshaft fractures accounting for 69 per cent, with 60 per cent of radial nerves recovering spontaneously; 24 per cent after 12 weeks post injury. One hundred and eleven fractures had documentation greater than 3 months. Closed treatment in 100 patients resulted in 5 non-unions and 15 delayed unions; 11 primary internal fixations resulted in 3 non-unions and 2 delayed unions. Subsequent operative procedures reduced the total non-union rate to 5 per cent with 1 per cent delayed union and 4 per cent unknown. Fractures of the humeral shaft that have not begun to unite at 6 to 10 weeks probably will go on to non-union unless the treatment plan is changed. Closed methods of immobilization, other than the sling and swathe, should be used in chronic brain syndrome patients to avoid compounding their fractures. Sixty-three patients with 64 fractures were evaluated in follow-up using Cave's AEF system (92% excellent and satisfactory results) and a modification of Neer's protocol for proximal humeral fractures, (87% excellent and satisfactory results). A functional evaluation on the Cybex machine, (torque through range of motion) gave a useful graphic end result.     

Comparison of initial nonoperative and operative management of radial nerve palsy associated with acute humeral shaft fractures

As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to:1.Become familiar with the available treatment approaches for radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures.2.Understand the strengths and limitations of the current treatment approaches for radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures.3.Become familiar with the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of operative and nonoperative treatment for radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures.4.Understand when operative or nonoperative management of radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures may be appropriate.The optimal treatment approach for the initial management of radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures has yet to be conclusively determined. The authors performed a systematic review of the literature to identify studies that compared the outcomes after initial nonoperative and operative management for radial nerve palsy associated with acute humeral shaft fractures. A meta-analysis of the data from these studies was also performed to determine whether recovery from radial nerve palsy was more favorable in one approach compared with the other. The primary outcome was recovery from radial nerve palsy and the secondary outcome was complaints after treatment. Nine articles (1 prospective observational and 8 retrospective) were included in the meta-analyses. Operative management showed no improved recovery from radial nerve palsy compared with nonoperative management. Nonoperative management was associated with a decreased risk of complaints relative to operative management. Recovery from radial nerve palsy associated with acute humeral shaft fractures is not influenced by the initial management approach.     

Minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO) of middle and distal third humeral shaft fractures

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of middle and distal third humeral shaft fractures treated with the minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO). DESIGN: Prospective, single-center, nonconsecutive clinical series study. SETTING:: Skeletal trauma center of a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Thirteen patients who were seen from May 2004 to October 2005 with an average age of 38.1 years (range, 25 to 60 years) form the basis of this study. Patients were obtained from a surgical database of 1 surgeon. INTERVENTION: The middle and the distal third humeral shaft fractures were reduced by closed means and fixed with long narrow 4.5-mm dynamic compression plates introduced through 2 small incisions away from the fracture sites and placed on the anterior aspect of the humerus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Time to fracture healing and functional assessments were assessed at an average follow-up of 12.5 months (range, 7 to 19 months) for the affected shoulders and elbows using the UCLA and Mayo elbow performance scoring systems, respectively. RESULTS: All fractures united with a mean healing time of 16.2 weeks (range, 12 to 32 years). There were no nonunions, radial nerve palsies, or implant failures. The UCLA scoring system showed excellent results in 7 cases (53.8%) and good results in 6 cases (46.2%). Thirteen patients had excellent results of their elbow function when assessed with the Mayo elbow performance scoring system. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and internal fixation of middle or distal third humeral shaft fractures using MIPO is a safe and effective surgical treatment method and an alternative option to open techniques.     

Antegrade locked nailing for humeral shaft fractures

Treatment results of antegrade locked nailing of acute humeral shaft fractures, including union rate and recovery of shoulder function, have been inconsistent. This led the current authors to hypothesize that implant design and surgical techniques might account for this inconsistency. In the current study, 47 fractures (38 acute; nine pathologic) in 47 patients achieved union with the techniques of closed nailing, short to long segment nailing, and fracture compression. Satisfactory recovery of shoulder function occurred because of minimal surgical trauma, prevention of impingement by the nail or locking screws, and prevention of axillary nerve injury or comminution of the humeral head. Forty-seven patients with 38 acute fractures and nine pathologic fractures were treated with humeral locked nails. Mean followup time was 21.4 months. With a single operation, all 38 acute fractures proceeded to eventual union; the average time to union was 7.8 weeks. Thirty-five patients had excellent or satisfactory recovery of shoulder function. Complications included slipout of the proximal screw, nail breakage, fragment displacement, and transient postoperative radial nerve palsy. All nine patients with pathologic fractures had substantial pain relief and increased arm function after surgery. The current study shows the reliability of antegrade locked nailing for proximal and middle third fractures of the humeral shaft.     

高频超声在肱骨骨折合并桡神经损伤诊断中的应用

目的 评价高频超声对肱骨骨折合并桡神经损伤的诊断价值.方法 对36例肱骨骨折术后并发桡神经完全损伤的患者,于神经损伤后1～3个月行神经电生理检查及高频超声诊断检查,28例患者进行了桡神经松解或桡神经修复手术治疗,8例保守治疗.结果 按照神经巢状结构、神经瘤以及外部组织压迫神经等三方面,将桡神经损伤分成4型:Ⅰ型4例,Ⅱ型9例,Ⅲa型12例,Ⅲb型7例,Ⅳ型4例.31例患者经神经手术或非手术治疗功能恢复良好;5例(Ⅲb型3例,Ⅳ型2例)患者接受二期功能重建手术,功能恢复良好.结论 肱骨骨折术后出现桡神经损伤,超声诊断可以提供早期、直观以及正确的辅助诊断方法,同时根据超声诊断的分型选择合适的治疗方法,对桡神经预后有一定的参考意义.     

Incidence and predictors of radial nerve palsy with the anterolateral brachialis splitting approach to the humeral shaft

Purpose: Fractures of the humeral shaft are common and account for 3%e5% of all orthopedic injuries. This study aims to estimate the incidence of radial nerve palsy and its outcome when the anterior approach is employed and to analyze the predictive factors. Methods: The study was performed in the department of orthopaedics unit of a tertiary care trauma referral center. Patients who underwent surgery for acute fractures and nonunions of humerus shaft through an anterior approach from January 2007 to December 2012 were included. We retrospectively analyzed medical records, including radiographs and discharge summaries, demographic data, surgical procedures prior to our index surgery, AO fracture type and level of fracture or nonunion, experience of the operating surgeon, time of the day when surgery was performed, and radial nerve palsy with its recovery condition. The level of humerus shaft fracture or nonunion was divided into upper third, middle third and lower third. Irrespective of prior surgeries done elsewhere, the first surgery done in our institute through an anterior approach was considered as the index surgery and subsequent surgical exposures were considered as secondary procedures. Results: Of 85 patients included, 19 had preoperative radial nerve palsy. Eleven (16%) patients developed radial nerve palsy after our index procedure. Surgeons who have two or less than two years of surgical experience were 9.2 times more likely to induce radial nerve palsy (p=0.002). Patients who had surgery between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. were about 8 times more likely to have palsy (p=0.004). The rest risk factor is AO type A fractures, whose incidence of radial nerve palsy was 1.3 times as compared with type B fractures (p=0.338). For all the 11 patients, one was lost to follow-up and the others recovered within 6 months. Conclusion: Contrary to our expectations, secondary procedures and prior multiple surgeries with failed implants and poor soft tissue were not predictive factors of postoperative deficit. From our study, we also conclude that radial nerve recovery can be reasonably expected in all patients with a postoperative palsy following the anterolateral approach.     

Locked nailing of spiral humeral fractures with or without radial nerve entrapment

The experience of locked nailing of spiral humeral fractures and the perioperative conditions of the radial nerve are reported. The nerve is at risk of entrapment after such a fracture, and severe injury may occur during closed nailing. Among 162 humeral fractures treated by locked nailing, there were 21 spiral fractures: 18 acute fractures, and three delayed unions. The distribution of the fractures was two at the middle and 19 at the distal (1/3). Twelve patients had preoperative radial nerve palsy. All fractures excluding one middle fracture were retrograde nailed, and all patients had radial nerve exploration. Thirteen fractures were locked statically, seven were locked distally and had cerclage wiring, and one was locked distally only. Fisher's exact tests showed that the risk of radial nerve entrapment significantly increased in fractures with varus angulation or resulting from high-energy trauma. All the patients achieved fracture union and regained satisfactory joint functions. The author suggests that in external rotational spiral humeral fractures, radial nerve exploration should be done if nerve entrapment is highly suspected, irrespective of the fracture location or nerve palsy. Locked nailing with transfixing screws or cerclage wire could be a reliable treatment method for these fractures.     

分叉交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折

目的探讨分叉交锁髓内钉(BILN)治疗肱骨干骨折的临床效果.方法应用BILN治疗28例肱骨干骨折,根据术后肩肘关节活动范围对其功能进行评价.结果所有患者获平均9个月的随访,骨折均愈合.肩肘关节功能评价:优16例,良9例,差3例.术后没有继发性桡神经损伤,无切口感染,无骨不连.结论BILN治疗肱骨干骨折是一种固定可靠、并发症少、骨折愈合率高、功能恢复良好的方法.     

Radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture. Is the energy of trauma a prognostic factor?

Background

Radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures is the most common nerve lesion complicating fractures of long bones. The purpose of the study was to review the outcome of surgical management in patients with low energy and high energy radial nerve palsy after humeral shaft fractures.

Methods

Eighteen patients were treated operatively for a humeral shaft fracture with radial nerve palsy. The mean age was 32.2 years and the mean follow up time was 66.1 months (range: 30-104). The surgical management included fracture fixation with early nerve exploration and repair if needed. The patients were divided in two groups based on the energy of trauma (low vs. high trauma energy). The prevalence of injured and unrecovered nerves and time to nerve recovery were analysed.

Results

Five patients sustained low and 13 high energy trauma. All patients with low energy trauma had an intact (4) or entrapped (1) radial nerve and recovered completely. Full nerve recovery was also achieved in five of 13 patients with high energy trauma where the nerve was found intact or entrapped. Signs of initial recovery were present in a mean of 3.2 weeks (range: 1-8) for the low energy group and 12 weeks (range: 3-23) for the high energy group (p = 0.036). In these patients, the average time to full recovery was 14 and 26 weeks for the low and high energy trauma group respectively. Eight patients with high energy trauma had severely damaged nerves and failed to recover, although microsurgical nerve reconstruction was performed in 4 cases. Patients with high energy trauma had a prolonged fracture healing time (18.7 weeks on average) compared to those with low energy fractures (10.4 weeks), (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The outcome of the radial nerve palsy following humeral fractures is associated to the initial trauma. Palsies that are part of a low energy fracture uniformly recover and therefore primary surgical exploration seems unnecessary. In high energy fractures, neurotmesis or severe contusion must be expected. In this case nerve recovery is unfavourable and the patients should be informed of the poor prognosis and the need of tendon transfers.     

经皮微创接骨板技术与髓内钉固定治疗肱骨干骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较经皮微创接骨板(MIPO)技术与髓内钉(IMN)固定技术治疗肱骨干骨折的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析2007年3月至2009年1月收治的52例肱骨干中下段骨折患者临床资料,分别采用闭合复位MIPO内固定(MIPO组)与顺行IMN固定(IMN组).MIPO组27例,男15例,女12例;年龄18～65岁,平均36.7岁;IMN组25例,男16例,女9例;年龄25～63岁,平均39.4岁.记录两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、骨折愈合时间、并发症、肘关节Mayo评分及肩关节Constant评分.结果 所有患者获16～36个月(平均17.8个月)随访.两组患者在手术时间、术中出血量、住院天数、骨折愈合时间及肘关节Mayo评分比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).MIPO组术后无骨不连与桡神经麻痹等并发症发生;IMN组术后4例发生骨不连,2例出现桡神经麻痹,1例出现内翻畸形,但功能良好.MIPO组患者骨不连发生率低于IMN组,肩关节Constant评分高于IMN组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 MIPO微创内固定技术治疗肱骨干骨折具有创伤小、术中出血量少、骨性愈合快、肩肘功能恢复好等优点,同时能减少医源性桡神经损伤的风险.

Abstract：

Objective To compare clinical outcomes of minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO) and intramedullary nail stabilization in treatment of acute humeral shaft fractures. Methods From March 2007 to January 2009, 52 patients were treated in our department for acute fractures of middle and lower humeral shaft. Twenty-seven were treated with MIPO technique (group A) and 25 with intramedullary nail (group B) . In group A, there were 15 men and 12 women, aged from 18 to 65 years (average, 36. 7 years); in group B, there were 16 men and 9 women, aged from 25 to 63 years (average,39. 4 years). Operation time, amount of blood transfusion, hospital stay, time for union, complications, Mayo scores of the elbow and Constant scores of the shoulder were recorded in both groups and compared statistically. Results The mean follow-up time was 17. 8 months (range, 16 to 36 months) . There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in operation time, amount of blood transfusion, hospital stay, time for union, and Mayo scores of the elbow ( P > 0. 05) . There was no case of postoperative iatrogenic radial nerve palsy or non-union in group A, but there were 4 cases of non-union, 2 cases of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy and one case of varus malunion in group B. Compared with group B, group A showed significant advantages in rate of postoperative non-union and Constant scores of the shoulder functional recovery ( P < 0. 05) . Conclusion In treatment of humeral shaft fractures, MIPO technique has advantages of less operative invasion, quick bone union, satisfactory shoulder functional recovery and low risk of postoperative palsy of the iatrogenic radial nerve.     

Functional treatment of the distal third humeral shaft fractures

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of functional treatment for distal third humeral shaft fractures in young adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A custom-made prefabricated brace was applied for the functional treatment of 21 isolated, closed, distal third humeral shaft fractures of 21 patients (17 male and 4 female). Their average age was 25 years (range 18-37 years). The mean follow-up period was 39 weeks. RESULTS: All of the fractures united. The average time to union was 12 weeks. The average varus angulation was 7.8 deg in 8 patients, and the average shortening of the fractured limb was 10 mm in 4 patients. Minimal motion restrictions mostly occurred in shoulder abduction and lateral rotation. No patient showed a lack of elbow motion. Angulatory deformities and shortening had no effect on the functional outcome. None of the patients suffered radial nerve palsy during the course of treatment or due to entrapment in the callus of the healed fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults who have isolated, closed, distal third humeral shaft fractures are good candidates for functional bracing.     

儿童桡神经损伤78例分析

目的讨论儿童桡神经损伤的临床特点和治疗方法。方法对７８例儿童桡神经损伤的临床资料进行总结和分析。伤因：６６例为上肢骨折或脱位时合并神经损伤，其中肱骨下段骨折７例，肱骨髁上骨折３７例，孟氏骨折或单纯桡骨头脱位１８例，尺骨和／或桡骨骨折４例。１２例为单纯神经损伤。采用手法复位、石膏固定或牵引１８例，神经松解术３８例，神经吻合术２０例，肌腱转移功能重建术２例。结果４２例随访２个月～２６年，平均４年２个月。用Ｈｉｇｈｅｔ运动评定法评定，疗效为优者３４例，优良率达８１％。伤后３个月内治疗者优良率占９６．５％，明显优于伤后６个月处理者的５０％。结论儿童上肢骨折脱位易合并桡神经损伤，对开放性骨折合并桡神经损伤者应尽快手术治疗。闭合性损伤在保守治疗１～３个月后功能无恢复时应考虑手术治疗     

Immediate radial nerve palsy complicating fracture of the shaft of the humerus: when is early exploration justified?

A series of 59 patients with immediate complete radial nerve palsy complicating a fracture of the shaft of the humerus was analysed. In 27 patients the radial nerve was explored and the fracture was fixed within 3 weeks of the accident. In 12 other patients exploration was performed after an average of 17 weeks. The remaining 20 patients showed signs of spontaneous recovery within 4 months and were managed conservatively. The mean follow-up time was 3 years.At exploration, laceration, interposition between the fragments or entrapment of the radial nerve in callus was found significantly (P < 0.01) more often with longitudinal fractures of the distal third (46 per cent) than with transverse fractures of the middle third, in which 85 per cent of the explored cases showed the nerve to be no more than slightly bruised. Useful recovery was seen in 46 patients (78 per cent of the whole series).     

前置钢板微创固定治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的可行性研究

目的 评价采用微创前置钢板固定技术治疗肱骨干中下段骨折对桡神经、肌皮神经和肱二头肌功能的影响.方法 2004年5月至2007年12月,采用闭合复位、经上臂前侧远离骨折部位的小切口微创钢板固定技术(MIPO)置入4.5 mm窄动力加压钢板治疗20例肱骨十中、下段闭合性骨折患者.观察术后桡神经功能、肌皮神经功能、前后何肱骨干力线、骨折愈合时间和最后一次随访时肱二头肌肌力.结果 4例患者术后出现前臂外侧皮神经支配区麻小,无医源性桡神经麻痹患者.肱骨干前后位X线片示骨折远、近端0°成角7例,2例内翻成角达11°,内翻成角2°、3°、4°、5°、6°、7°和10°各1例.外翻成角3°,4°、6°和7°各1例.19例患者得到平均10.4个月(8～32个月)随访,骨折均获得愈合,平均骨折愈合时间13.4周(4～32用).伞部患者肱三头肌肌力均为5级.结论 采用前置钢板微创固定技术治疗肱骨巾、下骨折不会损伤桡神经和肱二头肌,但可能会干扰前臂外侧皮神经的功能.     

Radial nerve lesions associated with fractures of the humeral shaft

Radial nerve palsy associated with a fracture of the shaft of the humerus is a relatively common injury. Out of 91 radial nerve injuries, operated upon in the Neurosurgical University Clinic in Belgrade from 1979 to 1988, 37 were associated with fractures of the humeral shaft or their surgical treatment. These fractures were previously treated in other medical units. In all cases a microsurgical reconstruction of the radial nerve was done: an interfascicular neurolysis in 24 cases and interfascicular grafting in 13 cases. A useful functional recovery was obtained in 91.9 per cent of the cases. Timing of nerve exploration and repair, as a main problem, is discussed.     

早期与延迟手术治疗儿童Gartland Ⅲ型肱骨髁上骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较早期与延迟手术治疗儿童Gartland Ⅲ型肱骨髁七骨折的疗效.方法 对2001年1月至2007年6月收治的86例闭合性、无血管神经损伤的GartlandⅢ肱骨髁上骨折患儿资料进行回顾性分析,根据受伤至手术时间分为早期手术组(<8 h)和延迟手术组(>8 h),其中34例早期手术(伤后平均7.2 h手术),52例延迟手术(伤后平均49.5 h手术).对两组患儿开放复位率、手术时间、医源性神经损伤发生率、针道与切口感染率、骨折愈合时间及肘关节功能恢复情况进行比较.结果 早期手术组和延期手术组在开放复位率、手术时间、医源性尺神经损伤发生率、针道与切口感染率、骨折愈合时间及肘关节功能恢复情况等方面差异均尢统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 早期手术和延期手术对儿童Gartland Ⅲ型肱骨髁上骨折的疗效尤明显影响,因此临床上应尽量在术前准备充分、患肘肿胀相对消退时进行手术.     

Unilateral external fixator in the treatment of lower third humeral shaft fractures

Lowerthirdhumeralshaftfracturesareoftenmanifestedbyoblique,spiralorcomminutedfractureswithahighincidenceofcomplicatingradialnerveinjury.Thispartofhumerusisirregularanatomicallyandneartheelbowjoint.Soitisdifficult toselectproperinternalfixationinstrumentswhile exploringradialnervethroughanterolateralapproach,whichaddsdifficultyinthetreatmentofthiskindof fractures.Inrecent6yearsweusedunilateralexternal fixatorstotreatsuchkindoffracturesinourdepartment andsatisfactoryresultswereachieved.METHOD…     

TriGen肱骨钉治疗肱骨干骨折的临床应用

目的探讨TriGen肱骨钉治疗肱骨干骨折的疗效。方法采用顺行TriGen肱骨钉治疗新鲜闭合肱骨干骨折患者24例。结果患者均获随访,时间4～18个月,骨折均愈合。肩关节功能按Neer评分标准进行评价:优20例,良3例,可1例。优良率为95.8%(23/24)。无桡神经损伤、切口感染及骨不连发生。结论TriGen肱骨钉治疗肱骨干骨折,能提供足够的稳定性,可早期功能锻炼,近期临床疗效满意,尤其适合粉碎性或骨质较差的肱骨干骨折。     

带锁髓内钉与锁定加压钢板内固定治疗肱骨干骨折的随机对比研究

目的前瞻性对比研究带锁髓内钉和带锁加压钢板(LCP)治疗肱骨干骨折的临床效果。方法随机将49例分成两组(髓内钉28例;LCP组21例)。患者全部为新鲜肱骨干骨折,骨折部位距肱骨外科颈至少3cm,距尺骨鹰嘴大于5cm。临床疗效评价包括手术时间、出血量、骨折愈合情况、桡神经恢复、感染和肘关节、肩关节不适症状,影像学评价包括骨折力线、愈合时间、延长愈合和不愈合的发生率。结果平均随访1.5年。LCP组19例(90.5)骨折在16周后愈合,髓内钉组24例(85.7)在16周后愈合(P=0.70)。肩关节疼痛和肩关节活动受限在髓内钉组发生明显(P<0.05),而LCP组未发现这种情况。LCP组肘关节的活动范围明显减少(P<0.05),尤其是肱骨干远端1/3骨折患者。两组总并发症发生率比较无明显差异。结论对于需要手术治疗的肱骨干骨折,髓内钉和LCP都能使骨折稳定以达到最终愈合。