Abstract
Generally, for fracture of the proximal humerus, osteosynthesis is performed via a deltoid-pectoral approach, in spite of the risk of adhesion of soft tissue. We have tried minimally invasive surgery for this type of fracture via a deltoid-split approach with non-contact bridge plates. The series consisted of 17 patients, 14 females and 3 males, with a mean age of 71.5 years.
We obtained bone union with good recovery of range of motion (mean elevation 122 degrees) in all cases with initial treatment. Axillary nerve palsy occurred in only one case, but subsequently this was completely resolved. While a deltoid-split approach must be considered as a feasible technique for minimally invasive surgery for fracture of the proximal humerus, the possibility of axillary nerve injury must be borne in mind.
