Comparison between the results of intramedullary nailing and compression plate fixation in the treatment of humerus fractures
Abstract
Methods: The study included 60 patients (43 males, 17 females; mean age 38 years; range 19 to 61 years) with humerus fractures. Thirty-three patients were treated with
intramedullary nails and 27 patients with dynamic compression plates. Functional results were evaluated according to the Stewart and Hundley’s criteria. The two methods were compared. The mean follow-up period was 42 months (range 28 to 72 months).
Results: Healing times did not differ between the two treatment groups (p>0.05). Radial nerve palsy occurred only in the dynamic compression plate group, with four patients being affected. On the other hand, the rate of nonunion was significantly higher in patients treated with intramedullary nailing (p<0.05).
Conclusion: No ideal fixation technique exists in the treatment of humerus fractures. Despite higher non-union rates, intramedullary nailing may be the method of choice in the treatment of humerus fractures because of such advantages as low morbidity, small dissection of soft tissues, and greater ease of application.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Cumhur Kesemenli
This is me
Mehmet Subasi
This is me
Huseyin Arslan
This is me
Serdar Necmioglu
This is me
Ahmet Kapukaya
This is me
Publication Date
September 11, 2006
Submission Date
March 6, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2003 Volume: 37 Number: 2