Abstract
Introduction: Humerus shaft fractures in adults can be managed conservatively with functional braces or operatively with plate osteosynthesis or with intramedullary nailing. Conventionally humerus intramedullary nailing is done either using humerus interlocking nails or Enders nails. In this study we analyse the outcome of humerus shaft fractures (upper and middle third) managed with closed ante-grade intramedullary titanium elastic nailing in terms of union rates, union time, functional results and complications.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 25 patients treated with ante-grade intramedullary titanium elastic nailing was done during the period of August 2014 to June 2016 at our tertiary care centre. Skeletally mature patients with closed and acute fractures of the upper and middle shaft humerus of both sexes were included in the study.Results: Twenty-five (100%) fractures united with an average consolidation time of 14.98 weeks (10-32 weeks), and no fractures ended in non-union. Nail impingement was seen in two (8%), shoulder stiffness in one (4%). Functional results were excellent in 22 (88%), moderate in two (8%) and poor in one (4%). There were 17 males and eight females with an average age of 39.08 years (range: 18-65 years). The average duration of hospital stay was 3.84±2.30 days.Conclusion: Closed ante-grade intramedullary titanium elastic nailing offers a safe and reliable method of fixing fractures of upper humeral shaft in adults. This method provides early fracture union, high union rates and less complications, in addition to early rehabilitation and reduces the hospital stay.
Highlights
Humerus shaft fractures in adults can be managed conservatively with functional braces or operatively with plate osteosynthesis or with intramedullary nailing
Cortical osteopenia that occurs right adjacent to the ends of plates is rarely seen with intramedullary nails; refracture after implant removal is seen less often[1]
A1, A2, A3) treated with closed ante-grade intramedullary titanium elastic nailing were included in the study
Summary
Humerus shaft fractures in adults can be managed conservatively with functional braces or operatively with plate osteosynthesis or with intramedullary nailing. In this study we analyse the outcome of humerus shaft fractures (upper and middle third) managed with closed antegrade intramedullary titanium elastic nailing in terms of union rates, union time, functional results and complications. Conclusion: Closed ante-grade intramedullary titanium elastic nailing offers a safe and reliable method of fixing fractures of upper humeral shaft in adults. This method provides early fracture union, high union rates and less complications, in addition to early rehabilitation and reduces the hospital stay. Cortical osteopenia that occurs right adjacent to the ends of plates is rarely seen with intramedullary nails; refracture after implant removal is seen less often[1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
