English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Conservative treatment of fracture humerus has resulted in malunion, nonunion, and ultimately poor functional outcome. Internal fixation of fracture shaft of humerus allows ready access for nursing care in patients with multiple injuries and associated co morbid conditions. And also restrictive bandages and splints are avoided, early mobilization of the patients and his limbs helps to prevent fracture disease. Hence the present study was undertaken to provide satisfactory functional outcome and to know the advantage and complications of the interlocking nail in treating humerus fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 32 patients with closed diaphyseal fracture humerus aged above 18 years who were medically fit were included in study. They were managed surgically by using interlocking nail. Average follow up period was 38 weeks. Functions results were scored using. Naiman, PT Schein, A.J.et al criterion. RESULTS: Male preponderance (62.5%) was observed in the study with right humerus predominance (56.25%). Road traffic injury accounted for 87.5% of fractures. Majority were middle third fractures (62.5%) with type A3 being the most common (53.125%). 2 patients had radial nerve palsy and they were recovered post operatively. 26 patients had sound union in less than 4 months and 3 patients at 6 months, with 29 (90.625%) cases having excellent result according Naiman, PT Schein, A.J.et al criterion system. Post operative complications in the form of nonunion in 3 cases (9.375%) underwent reoperation and were united. and shoulder pain noted in 3 patients (9.375%). CONCLUSION: The interlocking nail properly applied, is an excellent method for internal fixation of fractures of the shaft of the humerus alternative to plating. Most of the fracture united within 4 months with minimal complication.