[Comparison between the results of intramedullary nailing and compression plate fixation in the treatment of humerus fractures].
OBJECTIVE
The results of open reduction and internal fixation of humeral shaft fractures by either an intramedullary nail or a dynamic compression plate were compared.


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 non-union was significantly higher in patients treated with intramedullary nailing (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Kesemenli
Cumhur Cevdet
CC
Dicle Universitesi Tip Fakültesi Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Anabilim Dali, Diyarbakir. ccevdet@dicle.edu.tr
Subaşi
Mehmet
M
Arslan
Hüseyin
H
Necmioğlu
Serdar
S
Kapukaya
Ahmet
A
D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey
Humerus kirikli olgularda kilitli intramedüller çivi ve plak ile tedavi sonuçlarinin karşilaştirilmasi.