Comparative Outcomes of Anterior and Posterior Plating for Distal-Third Humerus Shaft Fractures.

PURPOSE: When treating distal-third humerus shaft fractures (HSFs) surgically, the optimal approach for plating is controversial. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes of anterior and posterior plating in distal-third HSFs and the incidence of complications including iatrogenic radial nerve palsy.

METHODS

We identified 116 patients from our multicenter trauma database who were diagnosed as having distal-third HSFs and who underwent surgical treatment, including intramedullary nailing between 2011 and 2020. We analyzed 50 cases treated in one of two ways: open reduction internal fixation with anterior plating (group A: 20 cases) and open reduction internal fixation with posterior plating (group P: 30 cases).

RESULTS

The findings were similar in terms of operation time, estimated bleeding, and clinical and radiographic outcomes between the groups. Postoperative radial nerve palsy occurred only in group P (4 cases) and never in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the anterior approach is a safe and effective method for treating distal-third HSFs with satisfactory outcomes.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.