The effect comparison of anterograde reamed intramedullary nail and dynamic compression plate for the management of diaphyseal fractures of the humerus

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinical effects in patients treated with anterograde reamed intramedullary nail (IMN) and dynamic compression plate (DCP) for diaphyseal fractures of the humerus.Methods Forty-seven patients with diaphyseal fractures of the humerus,were divided into two groups by random digits table:IMN group (23 cases) and DCP group (24 cases),IMN and DCP were performed fixation,respectively.After the surgery,perioperative,functional outcomes of shoulder and elbow,postoperative complications between two groups were compared.Results The average follow-up time was (22.3 ± 5.7)months,3 cases were lost in 12-month-follow-up,1 case in IMN group and 2 cases in DCP group.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss in IMN group were significantly shorter than those in DCP group [(67.7 ± 15.3) min vs.(87.0 ± 12.5) min,(106.3 ±57.6) ml vs.(226.7 ±60.2) ml,P＜0.05].The incidence rate of subacromial impingement in IMN group was significantly higher than that in DCP group [18.2％ (4/22) vs.0,P ＜ 0.05].The incidence rate of wound infection in IMN group was significantly better than that in DCP group [4.5％(1/22) vs.22.7％(5/22),P ＜ 0.05].There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in other indexes (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions DCP has some advantage in perioperative period,but they are comparable in the functional outcomes of shoulder and elbow and complications. Key words: Intramedullary nail; Dynamic compression plate; Diaphyseal fractures of the humerus