Osteosynthesis in midshaft humerus fractures with plating versus interlocking intramedullary nailing

Abstract

The humerus shaft fractures are treated conservatively for a long time, but now the operative treatment is becoming more common. But the choice of operative intervention in humerus shaft fractures requiring surgical intervention is still a debate. The present study compares functional and radiological outcome of compression plating and intramedullary nailing in management of humerus midshaft fractures. This prospective comparative study over a period of three years in management of acute midshaft humerus fractures with compression plating and antegrade interlocking intramedullary nailing was done. In the period of study total 19 cases with midshaft humerus fractures were included after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These patients are randomized and then 10 patients were treated with compression plating and 9 patients were treated with interlocking nailing. Postoperative assessment was done and functional scoring was done by Rodríguez-Merchán criteria and radiological outcome was assessed by serial radiographs. The minimum follow-up period was of 6 months and functional score at the end of 6 month follow up was considered. In this study excellent and good results were relatively higher in compression plating group with less number of complications. However sample size is small in this study. Further such studies are needed.