Comparative study of functional outcome of Dynamic compression plating with Intramedullary Interlocking nailing in close fracture shaft of humerus in adults

Abstract

Background and objective: To compare the results of dynamic compression plating and intramedullary interlocking nailing in treatment of closed fracture shaft humerus in adults with reference to study Functional outcome, Rate of healing, Complications between two groups. Methods: 48 adult patients with closed fracture shaft humerus were randomly assigned in to two groups after informed consent. Both groups were investigated in usual manner. Group A (ILN group) with 25 patients were treated with intramedullary interlocking nailing and group B (DCP group) with 23 patients were treated with Dynamic compression plating. The patients were followed up every four weeks till radiological union was seen. Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire was used for functional outcome measurement. Results: Time taken for radiological healing is more in DCP group but it was statistically not significant. According to DASH score functional outcome assessment more excellent result found in DCP group than ILN group. Postoperative complication rate is higher in ILN group which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Both dynamic compression plating and interlocking nailing are good with respect to union of the fracture but with respect to the functional outcome and rate of complications, we are of the opinion that dynamic compression plating offers better result than interlocking nailing. Key words: Humerus shaft fracture, interlocking nailing, dynamic compression plating, DASH Score