Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the humeral shaft are common, accounting 3% of all fractures. They have traditionally been treated conservatively using either a hanging arm cast or a functional brace. However loss of reduction in the plaster cast invariably leads to malunion. Operative treatment for humerus fractures has usually been reserved for open fractures, nonunion, associated forearm fractures, polytrauma, and neurovascular complications. Two surgical techniques under study include intramedullary nailing and dynamic compression plate fixation. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of each method and to analyse statistically significant difference in the results. METHODOLOGY:The present comparative study was conducted in patients treated surgically for shaft of humerus fracture from April 2019 to April 2020 centered at FATHER Muller Medical Hospital , Mangalore. Thirty eight patients were taken into the study, out of which 20 underwent LCDCP plating and 18 intramedullary nailing. All were assessed for radiological union, complications and functional outcome at 6weeks, 12weeks and 1 year using DASH questionnaireRESULTS:There was no statistically significant difference in the two groups with respect to age, mode of injury, side of injury and AO type. The average age of patients was 40.63years. Road traffic accident was the most common mode of injury. The left side humerus was involved more often. The functional outcome was better in LCDCP group, which was statistically significant (P= 0.015).CONCLUSION:We are of the opinion that when surgery is opted as a choice of treatment, both the modalities of treatment i.e.LCDCP Plating and interlocking nailing are good as far as union of the fracture is concerned, but considering the number of complications and functional outcome, we opine that plating offers better result thannailing with respect to function of the shoulder joint.

  Cite This Article:

  References:

  Article: