Aim: To describe and evaluate the use of the limited contact plate in complex humeral shaft fractures.

Certain sub-groups of humeral shaft fractures can be very difficult to treat. These ‘complex fractures’ include fractures in very osteoporotic bone, those associated with shoulder or elbow prosthesis, non-unions and those associated with intra articular extensions and dislocations.

The AO limited contact plate (LCP) is a new form of fixation whether the screw heads lock into the holes in the plate. The plate is not designed to cause compression and does not need to lie perfectly adjacent to the bone.

Methods: A prospective study of six consecutive complex humeral shaft fractures treated with LCP plate. Rate of union, complications, and subjective and objective outcome (DASH scores) are analyzed.

Results: Union occurred in 9/10 patients. The final patient is progressing to union. There were no serious complications. Good subjective and objective outcome in all patients.

Conclusion: This heterogeneous series of complex and complicated humeral shaft fractures all pose significant management problems. Treatment with the LCP plate demonstrated good results with no significant complications. This completely new rational for treatment seems particularly suitable for the treatment of complex or complicated humeral shaft fractures.