Publication:

A prospective comparative study of functional outcome in patients treated with interlocking nailing and dynamic compression plating for fracture shaft of humerus in adults

Background Aim of the study was to compare the functional outcome in patients with fracture shaft of the humerus treated with dynamic compression plating (DCP) and those treated with intramedullary interlocking nailing.

Methods Of 44 patients with humeral shaft fracture were included in this study and were divided in the following two groups of 22 patients: Group A: Patients treated with DCP by triceps splitting approach and group B: Patients treated with standard intramedullary interlocking nailing. All patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post operatively. Functional outcome was assessed using Rodriguez-Merchan criteria on follow up at 6 months post op.

Results The mean age of patients in group A was 39.05±13.13 years and group B was 38.73±12.95 years. According to Rodriguez-Merchan criteria, 8 (36.4%) and 12 (54.6%) patients in group A had excellent and good functional outcome respectively and 4 (18.2%) and 10 (45.4%) patients in group B had excellent and good functional outcome respectively.

Conclusions DCP offers better functional outcome than interlocking nailing.