CONSERVATIVE METHODS VERSUS PLATING IN TREATMENT OF ADULT HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES

Abstract

Several modalities of treatment are currently available for the management of humeral shaft fractures. Although operative treatment is now recommended for humeral shaft fractures, however non operative treatment still has the priority. The aim of this work was to compare the results of treatment of these fractures by plate and screws versus the conservative treatment using moulded plaster splint and pouch arm sling. The material of this study included 31 patients with fracture shaft humerus treated in Tanta university Hospital between December 2000 to December 2002. These patients were divided into two groups: Group I: included the 15 patients who were treated by conservative method. Group ll: included the 15 patients who were treated operatively. The age incidence ranged from 15 - 72 years with an average (32.23) years. There were 21 males and nine females. The right side was affected in ten patients and the left side in 20 patients. Twenty three fractures occurred as a result of direct trauma, while seven fractures occurred as a results of indirect trauma. The fracture was located in the middle third ofthe shaft in 12 cases, in the upper third in 12 cases, in the Lower third in four cases and double leveled fracture in two cases.