The purpose of this study is to review our experience with the operative management of acute diaphyseal fractures of the humerus via an anterolateral approach with the use of small fragment fixation at a Level I, urban, trauma center. We will report our clinical and radiographic results, complication rate and final range of motion. A standardized outcome measurement (DASH) will be reported. Muscle recovery of the triceps and biceps will be evaluated by a standard protocol, accomplished with the assistance of a licensed physical therapist. We hypothesize that open reduction and internal fixation of humeral diaphyseal fractures via an antero-lateral approach with the use of small fragment fixation is a safe and efficacious way to treat multiple trauma patients with these injuries.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age > 18 years
• patients with past (acute) traumatic humeral shaft fracture(s) treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
• patients for whom the above fracture has healed
• patients willing and able to provide informed consent and able to participate in study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with known pathological fractures
• patients with metabolic bone disease
• patients with humeral head or inter-articular surface fractures, or other upper extremity fractures
• patients with previous humeral surgery (i.e. rotator cuff, biceps tendon, etc.)
• patients with neurologic injury to upper extremities

Patients treated by our practice for diaphyseal fracture of the humerus after multiple trauma.