Abstract
Background and Objective:The fractures of the shaft of humerus are one of the commonest fractures found and can be treated by different methods. The present study is undertaken to know the functional outcome following the use of flexible nails for humeral shaft fractures in adults.
Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study which was carried out from August 2012 to July 2014 J.J.M.Medical College, Davangere. In this study period 20 cases of fracture shaft of the humerus were treated by closed reduction and internal fixation using flexible nails.
Results: In our series, majority of the patients were males(70%), middle aged, with road traffic accidents(70%) being the commonest mode of injury, involving middle third(60%). Average follow up ranged from 6-18 months,60% united in 14-18 weeks duration, 3patient had delayed union,1 patient had non-union, 1 patient had implant breakage. 95% recovered with full range of elbow movements. The average ASES score was 50. 70% had excellent results,10% had good and 20% had poor results
Conclusion: Flexible intramedullary nailing done by retrograde technique produces equally good results comparable to any plate osteosynthesis or interlocking intramedullary nailing. Another added advantage of flexible nail fixation is it requires very minimal operative instrumentation.
Key Words: Humeral shaft fractures, Flexible nails, Closed reduction and Internal fixation
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