Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Review Article

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of the clavicle and humerus: indications, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes: Hoon-Sang Sohn, Yunjong Choi, Sang-Jin Shin; Received May 24, 2026 Accepted June 29, 2026 Published online August 21, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2026.00220 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is an established strategy for lower-extremity fractures because it preserves periosteal vascularity, maintains fracture hematoma, and promotes secondary bone healing through relative stability. Its use has expanded to fractures around the shoulder girdle, including fractures of the clavicle, proximal humerus, humeral shaft, and distal humerus. However, adoption in the upper extremity has been more cautious because of complex regional anatomy, narrow soft-tissue corridors, and the proximity of major neurovascular structures. This review summarizes current evidence on the indications, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, and complications of MIPO for clavicle and humerus fractures. For clavicle fractures, MIPO is most commonly indicated for displaced multifragmentary midshaft fractures and provides union rates and functional outcomes comparable to those of conventional open reduction and internal fixation, with potential advantages in soft-tissue preservation and cosmesis. In proximal humerus fractures, MIPO performed through a deltoid-splitting approach has yielded favorable outcomes in selected two- and three-part fractures, whereas four-part fractures have less predictable outcomes and higher complication rates. In humeral shaft fractures, anterior MIPO provides stable fixation without routine radial nerve exploration and has shown reliable union with fewer complications in selected fracture patterns. For extra-articular distal humerus fractures, minimally invasive anterior and posterior plating techniques, including the use of an inverted proximal humeral internal locking system plate, have shown favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes despite technical challenges related to limited distal fixation. Overall, MIPO can achieve high union rates and satisfactory functional outcomes in clavicular and humeral fractures when indications are appropriate, safe anatomical corridors are respected, and surgical technique is meticulous.

418 View
9 Download

Original Article

Minimal Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis versus Conventional Open Plating in Simple Humeral Shaft Fracture (AO Type A, B1, B2): Boseon Kim, GwangChul Lee, Hyunwoong Jang; J Korean Fract Soc 2017;30(3):124-130. Published online July 31, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2017.30.3.124

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) by comparing the results between open plating and MIPO conducted by simple humeral shaft fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From September 2010 to February 2015, we evaluated humeral shaft fractures that 26 cases underwent MIPO and 41 cases underwent open plate fixation (OPEN). Operation time, amount of blood loss, and radiative exposure time were examined. Radiographically, bone union time and angulation were compared. At last, UCLA shoulder score and MEPI were used to compare the clinical results of shoulder and elbow and complications were examined.
RESULTS
The average operation time 82Â±23 minutes in MIPO, 119Â±20 minutes in OPEN (p=0.007) and amount of bleeding 238Â±67 ml in MIPO, 303Â±48 ml in OPEN (p=0.003), radiation exposure time 201Â±85 seconds in MIPO, 20Â±5 seconds in OPEN (p=0.000) were statistically significant. Bone union time and angulations, clinical results were not statistically significant. In Complication, iatrogenic radial nerve paralysis occurred 2 cases, nonunion occurred 1 case in MIPO. Nonunion and soft tissue infection occurred 2 cases each in OPEN.
CONCLUSION
MIPO in simple humeral shaft fractures gave us radiologically and clinically satisfactory results, and may be useful by understanding the anatomical knowledge and using appropriate implants and skills.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Outcomes of Arthroscopic Assisted Reduction and Percutaneous Fixation for Tongue-Type Sanders Type II Calcaneal Fractures
Jae Woo Park, Chul Hyun Park
Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society.2017; 21(4): 144. CrossRef

1,561 View
4 Download
1 Crossref

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search