Unilateral external fixator in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures: results of a single center retrospective study

Background The aim of our work is to evaluate and critically analyze long-term clinical and radiological data of a new unilateral external fixator (MIKAI KIT FEP©—Mikai S.p.A, Genoa, Italy), in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Materials and methodsWe reviewed 47 patients affected by humeral fractures that underwent surgery from July 2010 to March 2016 with unilateral external fixator. Demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded, which included age, sex and baseline comorbidities and mechanism of injury. Surgical data such as time of surgery and time of fixation according to AO-type of fracture, clinical objective and subjective outcomes were collected. ResultsThe mean follow-up was 50.4 months (range 12–74). The patients’ average age was 41.8 years (range 14–92). Mean surgical time was 66.8 (±37.7 min); and mean time of fixation was 4.5 (±1.7 months). We observed five delayed union (10.6%); one refracture (2.1%); and one case of non-union (2.1%) who underwent a revision surgery with nailing. No malunion was detected. Average quick-DASH was 11.7 (±14.8). The mean Constant Score at final follow-up was 81.5 (±14). 95.8% of patients were satisfied of our treatment. According to SF-12 scores, we observed 44 (93.6%) good results and 3 (6.4%) poor results. Conclusion We suggest the use of MIKAI KIT FEP© as a feasible option in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. We reported optimal clinical and radiological outcomes at long-term follow-up. We advocate more powerful evidence to validate this new possible approach