Ender Nail versus Dynamic Compression Plating For Humeral Shaft Fractures

Abstract

Aim: To compare ender nail with dynamic compression plating for humeral shaft fractures in terms of functional outcomes, union and complication rates. Methods: 30 men and 20 women aged >18 years with fresh humeral shaft fractures without neurological deficits underwent either ender nail (n=30) or dynamic compression plating (n=20). Functional outcome of the upper limbs, pain, rates of union, and complications in the 2 groups were compared. Results: Respectively in the nailing and plating groups, mean operating times were 65 and 112 minutes, mean blood loss volumes were 20 and 232 ml, complication rates were 20% and 24%, non-union rates were 13% and 8%, and delayed union rates were 7% and 4%. Conclusion: Both techniques were equally appropriate for treating humeral shaft fractures.