Vol. 11, Issue 4 (2025)

Introduction: The management of mid-shaft humeral fractures remains a subject of debate. While conservative methods are often successful, surgical intervention is indicated for specific fracture patterns and patient populations. Minimally invasive techniques like anterior bridge plating (ABP) have gained popularity due to their potential for preserving fracture biology and reducing complications. This study evaluates the functional and radiological outcomes of ABP for mid-shaft humeral fractures in an adult Indian population.

Methods: We prospectively studied 40 adult patients with mid-shaft humeral fractures treated with ABP between October 2022 and October 2025. Patients were aged 18 to 75 years. The primary outcomes were radiological union and functional recovery, assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and the Constant-Murley score at final follow-up. Secondary outcomes included operative time, blood loss, time to union, and complication rates.

Results: The mean age of the cohort was 48.5 years. The union rate was 97.5% (39 out of 40 patients). The mean time to radiological union was 14.2 weeks (range, 10-20 weeks). At the one-year follow-up, the mean DASH score was an excellent 8.5, and the mean Constant-Murley score was 91.2. The complication rate was low; one case (2.5%) of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy which resolved spontaneously, two cases (5%) of superficial infection, and one case (2.5%) of non-union requiring revision surgery.

Conclusion: Anterior bridge plating is a safe, reliable, and effective treatment modality for mid-shaft humeral fractures. It provides excellent union rates, superior functional outcomes, and a low complication profile in the Indian population. The technique's adherence to biological fixation principles and early functional recovery.