• Sung-Jae Kim, Sang-Hyun Lee, Heejung Son, and Bong-Gun Lee.
• Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 17 Haengdang-Dong, Sungdong-Gu, Seoul, Korea.
• Int Orthop. 2016 Jul 1; 40 (7): 1489-94.

PurposeThis paper analyzed outcomes of the osteosynthesis with a locking plate system for the fractures of the humerus in throwers using the anterior humeral approach.MethodsRetrospective case series including 31 patients. Bone union was assessed through follow-up radiographs. Results of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion in the elbow joint, time of return to work, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were evaluated to determine functional outcomes. Direction and length of the fracture, the distal cortical length, the humeral diameter, and the total humeral length were measured as part of fracture configuration analysis.ResultsMean patient age was 25.8 (range, 18-34) years. The follow-up average was 16.0 months (range, 12-23). Delayed union was observed in one (3.1 %) patient. Mean final VAS was 0.4 (range, 0-2), mean time of return to work was 18.2 weeks (range, 13-36), and mean MEPS was 96.3 (range, 88-100) points. All fractures showed a spiral configuration. Mean fracture length was 79.7 (95 % CI, 72.6-86.7) mm, and mean distal cortical length was 48.3 (95 % CI, 37.8-58.8) mm.ConclusionsThe results of the current study indicates that plate osteosynthesis using a locking plate system combined with interfragmentary lag screws through anterior humeral approach may be a favorable option for the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures in throwers.

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