Humeral Shaft Fractures: Retrospective Evaluation of Surgical Versus Non-surgical Treatment

Abstract

Abstract Background: Humeral shaft fractures mainly affect young male adults and patients over 60 years of age. The treatment can be surgical or non-surgical, with satisfactory results in both, but the choice must be evaluated individually. The study aimed to compare the functional capacity and pain of patients treated surgically and non-surgically and to analyze associations with personal history, limb dominance, fracture complexity and complications. Methods: The study involved 74 participants who were followed for at least 6 months and divided into two groups: surgical treatment and non-surgical treatment. Functional capacity was assessed using the QuickDash scale and pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In addition, anthropometric and clinical data were collected. The results were analyzed with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test using the R software, with a significance of p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups with regard to function (p=0.550) and pain (p=0.646). Furthermore, no significant associations were found between the variables of sex, age, personal history, limb dominance, fracture complexity and complications in both groups. Conclusion: After a minimum period of 6 months of follow-up, patients with humeral shaft fracture treated surgically or not, presented similar results in terms of functional capacity and pain. Level of evidence: 4 – Retrospective cohort.