Outcomes of Humeral Shaft Fractures Treated with Platting in Adults: A Study from a Tertiary Care Center in India
Dhruvi Kapasi
Department of Orthopaedics, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, India.
Vivek A Patel *
Department of Orthopaedics, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, India.
Vishal Ashokraj Pushkarna
Department of Orthopaedics, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, India.
Tej Rudani
Department of Orthopaedics, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, India.
Viren Vadher
Department of Orthopaedics, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, India.
Shubham Gupta
Department of Orthopaedics, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: The Shaft Humerus fractures account for 3-5% of all fractures, with no obvious single best surgical method to manage this injury. Even today, both non-operative and operative methods can be used for the patients.
Operative methods curtail prolonged immobilization, provide early rehabilitation and excellent to a good outcome with due surgical complication risk.
Objective: This study evaluates the clinical and radiological outcome of shaft humerus fracture treated by platting in adults.
Study Design: Retrospective study
Methods: We did a retrospective study of 60 cases presented to our institute with shaft humerus fracture between November 2023 to April 2025 with closed, extra articular shaft humerus fracture. Follow-up details of 1st week, 4th week, 3rd month, and 6th month were obtained from hospital records and clinical notes. No active follow-up was performed during the study period. Final functional outcome of the patients was assessed with DASH Score, and clinical outcome of the patient was evaluated with Constant-Murley scoring system.
Result: In our study, mean duration for satisfactory radiographic union was 12 weeks; Two patients developed post-operative surgical site infection, four patients had Delayed union, one patient had Non-union, and two patients had Radial nerve palsy. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 6 months.
Conclusion: There is no one treatment option that is best in every situation for a specific fracture, and each case needs to be tailored individually. Plating has demonstrated superior overall outcomes compared to interlocking nails in managing closed humeral shaft fractures.
Keywords: Humerus shaft fracture, open reduction, posterior approach, platting