Humeral Shaft Fracture: Open Reduction Internal Fixation

A 15-year-old boy presented as a polytrauma victim from a motor vehicle accident with a closed right comminuted humeral shaft fracture. Because of the multiple other injuries, including contralateral open distal tibia and fibula fractures, the humerus fracture was treated with open reduction and internal fixation, which allowed for earlier mobilization during a prolonged hospital stay and rehabilitation period. Key treatment strategies include using an extended deltopectoral surgical approach, choosing a stiff enough implant to allow weight bearing, and placing the plate onto the bone with prebend and compression across the fracture. The fracture healed, and the implant was later removed when it and the surrounding robust bone mass became symptomatic.