Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Fractures of humeral shaft are commonly encountered by orthopaedic surgeons, accounting for approximately 3% of all fractures. The present study was conducted to compare humeral interlocking nail andcompression plating in fracture of shaft of humerus cases. Materials & Methods:52 cases with fracture of shaft of humerus were divided into 2 groups of 26 each. Group I underwent internal fixation by humeral interlocking nail and group II underwent internal fixation by dynamic compression plating, with or without bone grafting. Mode of injury, range of elbow joint movements,and complications in both groups were recorded. Results: Mode of injury was RTA in 20 in group I and 17 in group II, fall in 4 in group I and 6 in group II and violence in 2 in group I and 3 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The range of movement pre- operatively in group I was 8-128 degree and in group II was 4-130 degree and post- operatively in group I was 4-134 degree and in group II was 5-130 degree. Complications were shortening seen in 2 in group I and 3 in group II, non- union 1 in group I and 2 in group II, superficial infection 2 in group I and 1 in group II, deep infection 1 in group I and 2 in group II and implant failure 1 in group II. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Dynamic compression plating found to be superior method of stabilizing diaphyseal fractures of humerus.