Study of surgical management of closed diaphyseal fractures of humerus in adults by open reduction and internal fixation with dynamiccompression plate and screws

Abstract

BACK GROUND: In this modern age, fractures of humerus are on an increase and the management of these fractures also form an important part of orthopaedic management. Fractures of Humerus accounts for nearly 3% of all fractures.The present study is an attempt to study the advantages and disadvantages of open reduction internal fixation using dynamic compression plate with screws for fracture shaft of Humerus, analyze the results and compare with the standard studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a hospital based prospective study centered in Department of Orthopaedics at Indira Gandhi Government General hospital and Post Graduate Institute, Puducherry, from September 2010 to September 2012 in which 30 patients with diaphysealhumerus fractures are treated with dynamic compression plate and screws. RESULTS: Patients were regularly followed-up post-operatively. Thirty cases were available for follow up. Excellent results were seen in 17 patients, good results in 8 patients, fair results in 2 patients and poor results in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation with dynamic compression plate and screws gives better functional and anatomical results in diaphysealhumerus fractures. The successful use of dynamic compression plate for diahysealhumerusfractures requires careful assessment of fracture pattern, appropriate patient selection, meticulous surgical techniques appropriate choice of fixation, judicious augmentation with internal fixation, careful post-operative monitoring and aggressive early institution of rehabilitation. The final functional result of treatment of diaphysealhumerus fractures not only depends of on anatomical reduction but also depends on surrounding soft tissue injuries and mobilization.