Axial external fixator in humerus shaft fractures

Abstract

The causes of humeral shaft fractures are mostly high-energy traumas such as falling, hitting, traffic accident, and gunshot wounds. It may also occur as a result of simple falls due to osteoporosis in elderly patients. In surgical treatment, there are options such as intramedullary nail, plate-screw fixation and external fixator treatment. External Fixator Treatment it is the primary treatment option for soft tissue damage, open fractures, gunshot wounds, segmental bone loss, pseudoarthrosis, nonunion, and major vascular injuries. The purpose of the present study was to present the functional results of Axial External Fixator Treatment, which we often apply in humerus shaft fractures in our clinic. A total of 30 patients, who had gunshot wounds, multisystem injuries, open fractures, and advanced age comorbid problems, and who underwent Axial External Fixator Treatment due to humerus shaft fracture between January 2016 and January 2019 were included in the study. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were used in clinical evaluations. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain intensity in patients subjectively. Also, the results of patients with advanced age comorbid problems were compared with other patients. After a 12-month follow-up, significant improvements were detected in DASH scores. Although fracture union was later in patients with advanced age comorbid problems than in other patients, no differences were detected between union rates, clinical outcomes, and the surgical processes.We think that it is a more appropriate surgical technique than other surgical methods, due to its shorter surgical time and less invasiveness in patients with advanced age, high comorbidity and multisystem damage.