FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF ANTEGRADE AND RETROGRADE INTRAMEDULLARY INTERLOCKING NAIL FOR THE TREATMENT OF SHAFT OF HUMERUS FRACTURE - A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Antegrade or retrograde locked intramedullary nailing are both effective treatments for humeral shaft fractures; however, these two techniques have not been sufciently compared. In this study, mid humeral shaft fractures treated with these two strategies using the identical locking nails were evaluated for efcacy and potential risks. 50 fractures in 50 Methodology: patients with humerus mid-shaft fractures were randomly assigned to get either antegrade or retrograde locked nailing using sealed-envelope method in this prospective comparative research. Clinical outcomes including fracture healing time, complications, functional recovery of the elbow and shoulder, and time for functional recovery were evaluated. There was no statistically signicant difference in the time of union i Results: n this trial, with an average of 13.6 weeks in the Antegrade group and 14 weeks in the Retrograde group. The two treatment groups in the current research were similar in terms of demographics, fracture patterns, surgical indications, and treatment. The antegrade nailing patients regained functional recovery faster while comparing to retrograde nailing patients. Antegrade nailing is advised for patients with proxima Conclusion: l fractures, young age and patients with tiny medullary canal whereas retrograde nailing is advised for fractures which are distal with broad medullary canal or prior shoulder issues. Due to less complications of elbow stiffness , shortened surgery duration, early functional recovery and since humerus generally tends to have narrow medullary canal we conclude that antegrade nailing is favoured over retrograde nailing for patients with humerus shaft fractures.