comparison between the results of plating and intramedullary nailing for treatment of humeral shaft fractures

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the results of intramedullary nailing [IMN] and plating in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures with a particular emphasis on the type and frequency of complications encountered with each technique. Thirty-seven patients were included in the study. Eighteen fractures were fixed with 4.5 mm, AO design, plates and 19 fractures were fixed with an antegrade humeralinter- locking nail. The main clinical assessment measures were shoulder and elbow functions, radial nerve recovery and presence of infection. The radiological assessment was based on fracture alignment, healing time, delayed and nonunion. It was suggested that both plating and IMN provide a satisfactory fixation for humeral shaft fractures with ultimate fracture healing, however IMN is associated with more complications