Functional and radiological outcome of isolated shaft of humerus fracture managed with functional cast brace

Abstract

Purpose: Functional Cast Bracing is a most common, universally following method of conservative management of shaft of humerus fracture. The objective of this study were to assess union rate, complications and risk factors associated with non-union of shaft of humerus fracture and same were evaluated with functional cast brace. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a Descriptive observational study. Patients who presented with closed isolated shaft of humerus fracture as diagnosed by clinical and radiological were included in the study (n = 83). Patients were managed with closed reduction and “U” slab application for about 2nd weeks. On 3rd week of post injury “U” slabs were removed and functional cast braces were applied. Functional (Constant-Murley score) and radiological outcome were assessed on 4th, 6th and 12th weeks of post injury. Results: Total 83 patients were included in this study. Union rate was 84.4% (n = 70), non-union rate was 15.6%(n = 13) and the risk factors which associated with non-union were occupation (more in laboured, n = 9(37.5%)), socioeconomic status (more in lower socioeconomic status, n = 9(50%)), smoking (more in smoker, n = 9(60%)) and type of fracture (more in spiral fracture, n = 7(50%)). Conclusion: Union rate was (84.4%) more and non-union rate was less (15.6%) of shaft of humerus fracture managed with functional cast brace. Occupation, socioeconomic status, smoking and spiral type of fracture were associated with non-union.