Comparison of Outcome of Comminuted Fractures of Shaft Humerus Treated with Interlock Nailing and Anterior Bridge Plating

Background: Humeral shaft fractures are uncommon injuries constituting about 3-6 % of all fractures and are most commonly caused by high energy trauma and usually occurs in middle third of the shaft. Operative treatment for fracture of shaft humerus has always been controversial and subject of debate among the orthopaedic surgeon particularly after bridge plating was introduced few years back. [1,2]

Objectives: In this study, we have compared the two system of surgical treatment i.e. Interlocking nail and bridge plating by minimal invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis. MIPPO both in terms of intra-operative and post-operative outcome.

Methods: This was randomized control trial study. All patients with comminuted fractures of shaft of humerus that met the criteria for operative interventions presenting to the Department of Orthopaedics, SAIMS in the study period and giving informed consent were included in the study. Sample size was taken 15 patients in each group.

Results:The usual mode of injury in both the groups was fall or assault and road traffic accident. The operating time, Hospital stay, dosage of antibiotic, Early mobilization, Amount of blood loss, Time taken in the procedure for both the groups were comparable with no significant difference. ASES shoulder scoring was similar in both the groups at final follow up.