A hospital based prospective study to assess the functional outcome of nailing versus plating in fracture shaft of humerus

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of humeral shaft fractures using intramedullary nailing (IMN) and dynamic compression plating (DCP) is controversial. The present study was designed to evaluate the functional outcome, fracture union time and complications of IMN and DCP for fractures of humerus shaft. Methods: This hospital based one year prospective study was done in the Department of Orthopaedics, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum from January 2014 to December 2014. A total of 30 patients with humeral shaft fractures were studied. Based on the method of treatment, patients were divided into two groups of 15 each as group A (Nailing) and group (Plating). Patients were followed up for the fracture union, complications and functional outcome based on Constant Murley score. Results: Majority of the patients (80%) in group A were males while in group B, 53.33% of the patients were males. (p=0.121). The mean age was comparable in both the groups (34.33±11.27 vs. 33.20±11.73 years; p=0.789). There was almost equal distribution of patients in group A and B with respect to fracture side, type, mode of injury and associated injuries (p>0.050). In group A, shoulder stiffness and superficial infection were present in 13.33% and 6.67% of the patients while in group B, radial nerve palsy and superficial infection were noted in 6.67% and 13.33% of the patients respectively. Conclusion and Interpretation: Intramedullary nailing and DCP are equally effective for the treatment of shaft of humerus fractures.