Publication:

A prospective study of the functional outcome of 3 stitch technique in a compound humerus shaft fracture

Background Intramedullary nailing of compound shaft humerus fractures has been an innovative and surgically friendly technique to deal with extensive soft tissue injury that impedes open reduction and internal fixation. The purpose of this article is to highlight the minimally invasive technique of intramedullary humerus nailing to prevent the perioperative and postoperative complications encountered. A 1 year follow up of all the patients have shown functionally excellent results and good surgical outcome.

Methods We have conducted this prospective study from Jan 2020 to Jan 2022 at DR. D.Y. Patil medical college and hospital. Informed consent from each patient was taken explaining the methods of study and probable complications.  By this 3-stitch technique we have treated 25 adult patients sustaining post traumatic compound humerus shaft fractures by Antegrade humerus nailing. We have included compound injury upto type 3A (Gustilo-Anderson classification).

Results Out of the 25 patients, 23 patients showed functionally excellent outcomes with good compliance to rehabilitation protocol but 2 patients had delayed wound healing of which 1 patient had undergone VAC therapy, which later healed well after a period of 2-3 weeks with sequential dry dressings. None have gone into nonunion.

Conclusions Our study suggests that the 3-stitch technique is a good alternative method compared to external fixators and other various surgical techniques and yields good results with lesser complications and better cosmetic outcomes in compound injuries.