title: A meta-analysis of plate fixation versus intramedullary nailing for humeral shaft fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a lack of consensus on whether intramedullary nailing (IMN) or plating is superior for humeral shaft fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this meta-analysis, we combined data from PubMed, the Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), the Cochrane Library, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (all to Dec 31, 2011). Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two quasi-RCTs including 384 participants were selected and assessed by use of an 11-item scale. Heterogeneity was assessed by use of the standard chi-squared test and the I (2) statistic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicated that two primary outcomes (total number of complications and functional measurement) were significantly better for plate fixation. Significantly lower risk of delayed-union, restriction, impingement of the shoulder, shoulder pain, and re-operation were found for the plating group, which suggested that plating is superior to IMN for humeral shaft fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level II; meta-analysis of RCTs and quasi-RCTs; treatment study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. wxf2002@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Xiaofeng
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Zixian
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yunchao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shao
authors.forename: Yushui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Da
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.forename: Qing
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Xia
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*