A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF NAILING VS. PLATING IN PATIENTS HAVING FRACTURE SHAFT HUMERUS

Abstract

Introduction: Fractures of shaft humerus are those fractures which lie distal to the surgical neck of the humerus and proximal to the supra-condylar ridge distally. Conservative management of fracture shaft humerus yield in satisfactory results in most of the cases. Dilemma between dynamic compression plating and ante grade intra-medullary nailing occurs when a surgery is indicated. In this study, we aim to p Objectives: resent a comparative analysis of two series of patients operated with dynamic compression plating and ante-grade intra-medullary interlock nailing respectively with focus over their functional outcomes, complications and other important parameters. A total of 32 Methods: patients with fracture shaft humerus were treated surgically. 17 were subjected to plating and 15 were subjected to intramedullary nailing. Functional outcome of patients was recorded using Constant and Murley score along with other parameters such as duration of surgery, intra-operative blood loss, complications, and union time. Treat Results: ment with plates in this comparative study led to a better ROM in the shoulder and fewer complications. Loss of shoulder motion may be expected after humeral shaft osteosynthesis. However, the functional scores and the healing index can be good and excellent with both techniques. In this comparative study, treatment with plates led to a better ROM in the s Conclusion: houlder and fewer complications. However, functional scores and healing rates can be good and excellent with both techniques. A loss of shoulder motion may be expected after humeral shaft osteosynthesis. Prospective studies are necessary with a long-term follow-up to strengthen these ndings.