The role of internal fixation in the treatment of acute fractures of the humeral shaft remains controversial. It is generally accepted that conservative management is best for isolated closed fractures of the humeral shaft, but recently, the open
reduction has been increased tendency.
The authors analyzed radiological and clinical results of 54 cases of humeral shaft fracture treated with operation at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Korea University Hospital, from January 1985 to December 1992 with minimal 1 year follow up.
1. Forty cases(74%) were treated with compression plate 9 cases(74%), were treated with plate & bone graft and 5 cases(9%) were treated with lag screw.
2. Thirty two fractures healed within four months(59%) and 18 cases(33%) within 4-6 months, and average duration of union were 15.2 weeks.
3. Fifty patients(93%) recovered full range of motion of shoulder and elbow, and four patients97%) had more than 20 degrees of limited motion.
4. The neurovascular injuries were developed in eight patients : 7 radial nerve injuries 1 brachial plexus injury and 1 brachial artery injury.
5. There were 4 cases of complications "2 metal failure with nonunion, 1 infection and 1 transient radial nerve palsy.
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