Abstract

Fractures of shaft of humerus account for nearly 3% of all fractures and 20% of fractures to the humerus. Objective: Compare the duration of fracture healing in Dynamic Compression Plating & Interlocking Nail in fixation of fracture shaft humerus. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Govt. multispecialty Hospital, Sec. 16, Chandigarh during the years 2010-12. In this study 15 patients for each group i.e. Dynamic Compression Plating and Interlocking Nail were studied. Results: In the present series 24 out of 30 cases (80%) united. Out of 24 cases which united 21 (87.5%) united within 16 weeks, 2 cases united between >16 -24 weeks and only 1 case united at 32 weeks. Remaining 6 cases did not unite even at the expected time of union for humeral shaft fractures. Mean union time in nailing group was 15.27 ± 6.21wks while in the plating group it was 15.23 ± 3.32 wks. Conclusion: Overall plating is a better procedure than interlocking nail for fracture shaft humerus. The mean union time was 15.27 ± 6.21 weeks in nailing group and 15.23 ± 3.32 weeks in plating group. In our study the overall union rate was 80% (24 out of 30 cases united).

Description