Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Approximately 3% of all fractures are humeral shaft fractures, which orthopedic surgeons frequently treat. This study compared humeral interlocking nail and compression plating in fracture of shaft of humerus patients. Materials &Methods:74 patients with fracture of shaft of humerusof both genderswere divided into two groups of 37 each. Group I underwent internal fixation by dynamic compression plating, with or without bone grafting and group II underwent internal fixation byhumeral interlocking nail. Parameters such as mode of injury, range of elbow joint movements, and complications in both groups were recorded. The outcome was recorded as excellent, good, fair and poor. Results:Group I had 20 males and 17 females and group II had 19 males and 18 females. The range of movement pre- operatively in group I was 8-132 degrees and in group II was 4-130 degrees and post- operatively in group I was 4-136 degrees and in group II was 5-134 degrees. The mode of injury was RTA in 18 in group I and 20 in group II, fall in 12 in group I and 8 in group II and violence in 7 in group I and 9 in group II. Complications were shortening seen in 2 in group I and 1 in group II, implant failure 3 in group I and 2 in group II, superficial infection 1 in group I and 2 in group II, and deep infection 2 in group I and 3 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The outcome was excellent 20 in group I and 19 in group II. Good in 17 in group I and 15 in group II, fair in 2 in group II and poor in 1 in group II. Conclusion:It was discovered that the best technique for stabilizing humeral shaft fractures was dynamic compression plating. It had a better course of treatment and fewer post-operative problems.