Diaphyseal humeral fractures: A prospective study on the functional outcome of surgical treatment by open reduction and internal plate fixation technique

Abstract

The study series comprised of 12 adult patients with acute diaphyseal humeral fractures treated surgically by open reduction and plate fixation technique following Henry's anterior approach. The basic aim was to get rigid union of the fracture and full normal range of movements to perform normal every day activities. The series consisted of 10 male and 2 female cases with an average age of 40 yrs (25-66 yrs). Out of 12 cases, 1 (8.3%) had post-traumatic radial nerve palsy with wrist drop. 11 cases underwent surgery within the first week after admission, and all the patients were followed up post-operatively for 1 -6 months. The functional outcome results were recorded using Constant and Murley score along with other parameters like union rates and complications. The functional outcome results were excellent/ good in 12(%) patients with active joint mobility. Complication of radial nerve palsy was observed in 1(8.3%) patient post-operatively however, it improved after conservative treatment with neurotrophic drugs and normal function was restored in 6 weeks after surgery. No long-term radial nerve paralysis occurred. No patient developed non-union after the open reduction and internal fixation and no complications were observed in this study. The present study results indicate that open reduction and plate fixation technique offers a safe and reliable method of fixing fractures of upper humeral shaft in adults. This method provides early fracture union, high union rates and low rate of complications, with excellent / good functional results.