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Shaft humerus fractures treated with interlocking nails vs. locking compression plates; a comparative study

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Original Article

Author Details : Angad Jolly, Rahul Bansal

Volume : 3, Issue : 2, Year : 2017

Article Page : 117-123

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Abstract

Shaft humerus fractures account for approximately 2 to 3 % of all fractures and are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Many can be managed conservatively and those that are operated can be treated by either plating or nailing techniques. This study was done to compare the two commonly performed surgical techniques. 60 patients who were admitted with fracture shaft of humerus and given operative treatment were studied for functional outcome, radiological outcome and complications of the procedure. 30 of these patients were treated with ORIF with Locking Compression plates and the remaining 30 were treated with CRIF with IMIL nails. The two groups were comparable at baseline when the demographic characteristics were compared. Follow up showed a statistically significant difference in the operative time, operative blood loss and hospital stay post-surgery all in favour of the IMIL nail group. Functional outcome in both the groups was comparable except for a statistically significant increase in the incidence of shoulder related complications, and increased risk of implant failure in the IMIL nail group. No significant difference was seen in the radiological outcome between the groups. We concluded that ORIF with locking compression plates is a better surgical option for managing humerus shaft fractures as compared to CRIF with IMIL nails due to a better functional outcome and lesser chance of implant failure, despite there being a larger volume of intra-op blood loss and longer duration of surgery.

Keywords: Shaft Humerus, Locking Compression Plates, Intramedullary Nails.

How to cite : Jolly A, Bansal R, Shaft humerus fractures treated with interlocking nails vs. locking compression plates; a comparative study. Indian J Orthop Surg 2017;3(2):117-123

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