Objective: To compare the results of the intramedullary nail (IMN) and compression plate fixation performed for humeral shaft fracture as to determine a better option out of the two.
Study design: Comparative study.
Place and duration of study: First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, PR China, from October 2016 to January 2019.
Methodology: Patients treated with IMN (n=26) or plate fixation (n=30) for humeral shaft fracture were included in this study. Assessment was done in terms of perioperative parameters, complications, union time, and functional outcomes. Functional outcome were compared between the two groups at each follow-up (6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months) and between the subsequent follow-ups in both groups using the repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: Intraoperative blood loss, operative time, hospital stay, and union time were significantly lower in the IMN group. There was no significant difference in the functional outcomes when it was compared between the two groups at each follow-up. However, when it was compared between subsequent follow-ups, a significant improvement was observed in both groups. Increase incidence of individual complication and reoperation were established in the plating group, but without a significant difference. Yet, the overall complications rate was significantly higher in the plating group.
Conclusion: IMN fixation led to a significant decrease in intraoperative blood loss, shorter operating time, hospital stay, union time, and a lower rate of overall complications. Thus, IMN may be a better choice of internal fixation as it also accelerates the patients' recovery, and increases their satisfaction.