title: Complex fractures of the humeral shaft treated with antegrade locked intramedullary nail: clinical experience and long-term results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  indications for surgical treatment of complex humeral shaft fractures are still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of treating humeral shaft fractures using antegrade locked  intramedullary nail, compared to the treatment with traditional more aggressive techniques such as plate and screws.
  
  
  METHODS
  between February 2008 and January 2011 38 patients were treated with antegrade locked intramedullary nail for humeral shaft fractures, divided according to the AO classification. 28 patients were clinically followed: disability, pain and functional recovery were evaluated using the Constant score and DASH score and the ROM of the shoulder was checked.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bony union was obtained in 27 patients at a mean time of 2.7 months. One fracture ended in nonunion, healed after replacing the nail with a longer one. Patients achieved satisfactory shoulder function with a mean Constant score of  90.57 points and with a mean DASH score of 4.69 points. There were no other complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  the antegrade locked intramedullary nail represents a recommended option for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures, obtaining a steady synthesis, a short time of consolidation and a rapid functional recovery. (www.actabiomedica.it).
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Modena Policlinic, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. campochiaro.g@libero.it.
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Campochiaro
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Baudi
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Loschi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Serafin
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Catani
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult