PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and advantages of the lateral approach for internal fixation of the distal humeral shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with distal humeral shaft fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using plate and screws by lateral approach from January, 1997 to May, 2002 were investigated. Postoperative results after a minimum 1 year follow-up were assessed using union rate, elapsed time to union, postoperative complications such as iatrogenic radial nerve palsy, range of motion of the elbow joint. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with Mayo elbow performance scoring system. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all cases. The average time to union was 9 weeks (range, 7~12 weeks). Four cases of preoperative radial nerve palsy were revealed as contusion of the intact nerve and resolved completely by three months. The mean elbow range of motion was from 5 to 138 degrees. The average Mayo elbow performance score was 91 points; 9 cases ranked as excellent and 3 as good. CONCLUSION: Distal humeral shaft fractures can be treated successfully through open reduction and internal fixation using plate and screws. Lateral approach is recommended to stabilize distal humeral shaft fractures without compromising the range of motion of the elbow, and to protect or explore the injured radial nerves easily