Purpose The best treatment of humeral shaft fractures in adults is still under debate. This study aimed to compare functional and clinical outcome of operative versus nonoperative treatment in adult patients with a humeral shaft fracture. We hypothesized that operative treatment would result in earlier functional recovery. Methods From October 23, 2012 to October 03, 2018, adults with a humeral shaft fracture AO type 12A or 12B were enrolled in a prospective cohort study in 29 hospitals. Patients were treated operatively or nonoperatively. Outcome measures were the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (DASH; primary outcome), Constant–Murley score, pain (Visual Analog Score, VAS), health-related quality of life (Short Form-36 (SF-36) and EuroQoL-5D-3L (EQ-5D)), activity resumption (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS), range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder and elbow joint, radiologic healing, and complications. Patients were followed for one year. Repeated measure analysis was done with correction for age, gender, and fracture type. Results Of the 390 included patients, 245 underwent osteosynthesis and 145 were primarily treated nonoperatively. Patients in the operative group were younger (median 53 versus 62 years; p < 0.001) and less frequently female (54.3% versus 64.8%; p = 0.044). Superior results in favor of the operative group were noted until six months follow-up for the DASH, Constant–Murley, abduction, anteflexion, and external rotation of the shoulder, and flexion and extension of the elbow. The EQ-US, and pronation and supination showed superior results for the operative group until six weeks follow-up. Malalignment occurred only in the nonoperative group (N = 14; 9.7%). In 19 patients with implant-related complications (N = 26; 10.6%) the implant was exchanged or removed. Nonunion occurred more often in the nonoperative group (26.3% versus 10.10% in the operative group; p < 0.001). Conclusion Primary osteosynthesis of a humeral shaft fracture (AO type 12A and 12B) in adults is safe and superior to nonoperative treatment, and should therefore be the treatment of choice. It is associated with a more than twofold reduced risk of nonunion, earlier functional recovery and a better range of motion of the shoulder and elbow joint than nonoperative treatment. Even after including the implant-related complications, the overall rate of complications as well as secondary surgical interventions was highest in the nonoperative group. Trial registration NTR3617 (registration date 18-SEP-2012).

Since it is known that the immune system affects tumor growth, it has been studied if immunotherapy can be developed to combat cancer. While some successes have been claimed, the increasing knowledge on tumor-immune interactions has, however, also shown the limitations of this approach. Tumors may show selective outgrowth of cells escaped from immune control. Escape variants arise spontaneously due to the genetically instable nature of tumor cells. This is one of the most obvious limitations of cancer immunotherapy. However, new therapies are becoming available, designed to respond to tumor-immune escape.

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Background Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury often results in distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. However, not all patients with a ruptured TFCC have an unstable DRUJ as in these patients a distal oblique bundle (DOB) may be present. We assumed that augmentation of the DOB leads to a more stable situation following reinsertion of the TFCC. We present the clinical results of a new surgical technique using the TightRope system as a DOB augmentation. Description of Technique All cases were treated under regional anesthesia with the TightRope implant for which a tunnel was drilled from the distal ulna through the radius along the path of the DOB. The TightRope was passed through the tunnel and secured with buttons on either side. X-rays were made during surgery to confirm correct positioning. Methods A retrospective study was performed analyzing 21 cases treated with a TightRope augmentation of the DOB. The primary outcome was measured using the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score at least 12 months after surgery. Results Postoperatively, the DRUJ was stable in all patients. The median PRWE score was 16 for the injured side compared to zero for the uninjured side (p-value: < 0.001). The median pronation and supination were not statistically significant when we compared the injured side to the uninjured side. The median grip strength was 31 kg for the injured side compared to 38 kg for the uninjured side (p-value: 0.015). There were two minor postoperative complications (10%). Conclusion This technique is capable of restoring DRUJ stability with a short immobilization period resulting in good patient-related outcomes and a low complication rate.