title: Treatment Outcome of Intramedullary Fixation with a Locked Rigid Nail in Humeral Shaft Fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to determine the treatment outcome of humeral shaft fractures with a locked rigid intramedullary nail in patients indicated for surgical treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this descriptive-cross sectional study, all patients were followed up for one, six, and 18 months post operatively. The Short Form Questionnaire (SF-36) and Constant Shoulder Score were applied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 78 included patients (mean age: 35), one patient had a soft tissue infection, one had secondary radial nerve palsy, eight had non-union, one had elbow limited range of motion in extension, and three patients had decreased shoulder range of motion. The Constant Shoulder Score and Short Form Questionnaire Score (SF-36) increased in all patients, although aged women showed lower improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intramedullary nail fixation in the humeral shaft fracture may be associated with high rates of non-union.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohsen Mardani
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Kivi
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
authors.forename: Mehran
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Soleymanha
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Haghparast-Ghadim-Limudahi
keywords: Humeral shaft fractures; Nailing; Orthopedic procedures; Treatment outcome