Abstract
IntroductionIn this study, we clinically and radiologically investigated whether the application of expandable nails for surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures has an advantage over locked intramedullary nails.MethodsPatients treated with intramedullary fixation due to humeral shaft fractures in our clinic were investigated retrospectively. Patients with fractures of type 12A and 12B according to the AO classification in the middle 1/3 shaft region of the humerus were divided into two groups as those receiving fixation with expandable nails and with locked intramedullary nails. The union rate, union time, Q-DASH scores, duration of surgery, and complication rates were statistically compared between the two groups.ResultsThe study included 38 patients with clinical follow-up from among 47 patients; 20 patients received fixation with locked intramedullary nails and 18 with expandable nails. The mean age of the patients was 56.92 (19-91) years and 53% (n=20) were men while 47% (n=18) were women. During statistical evaluation, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups for union (100% and 72.2%) and complication rates (6% and 13%). More union and lower complication rates were found in patients treated with locked intramedullary nails. In comparing the mean of surgical times (71.1 and 30.2 min), expandable nails had a shorter surgical time. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the union time and Q-DASH scores between the two groups.ConclusionLocked intramedullary nails are a better fixation method than expandable nails due to the low complication rate and high rate of union. However, due to shorter surgery time, expandable nailing is an alternative method in limited cases.
Highlights
MethodsPatients treated with intramedullary fixation due to humeral shaft fractures in our clinic were investigated retrospectively
In this study, we clinically and radiologically investigated whether the application of expandable nails for surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures has an advantage over locked intramedullary nails
More union and lower complication rates were found in patients treated with locked intramedullary nails
Summary
Patients treated with intramedullary fixation due to humeral shaft fractures in our clinic were investigated retrospectively. Patients with fractures of type 12A and 12B according to the AO classification in the middle 1/3 shaft region of the humerus were divided into two groups as those receiving fixation with expandable nails and with locked intramedullary nails. Patients operated on in our clinic for humeral diaphyseal fractures with intramedullary nailing were evaluated retrospectively. The inclusion criteria included having been operated on with intramedullary nailing due to acute humeral fracture of type 12A or 12B according to the AO classification in the middle one-third shaft region and being followed for at least 12 months after surgery. Complications regarding radial nerve injury, implant failure, fracture, and development of infection were recorded There were both low-energy and high-energy traumas in our patient group. Fractures that occurred after a simple fall were considered as low-energy, while fractures that occurred due to reasons such as falling from a height or traffic accidents were considered as high-energy traumas
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
