Little controversy remains concerning operative versus non-operative management of the isolated fracture ofthe humeral shaft. However, certain patients with the fractured humeral diaphysis are managed best by operative stabilization.
This includes patients who have mutiple trauma, a fracture of the spine, bilateral humeral injury, floating-elbow, and holstein-Lewis syndrome. Analysis 21 of patients with multiple injuries, which included fractures ofthe humeral diaphysis, were
done.
They were treated by intramedullary stabilization of the fracture with Ender-nails or Rush rods in department of Orthopeadic Surgery, Paik Hospital, Pusan from January 1985 to June 1990 except pathologic fracture. Using image-intensifier, the
portal of
entry were determined. Intramedullary stabilization of the fractured humeral shaft resulted in 92% rate of uning and 70% of excellent clinical results. We think this technique is particularly applicable to patients with multiple trauma, as it
minimzes
loss of blood and the risk to neurovascular structures while providing stability for mobilization.
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