The comparison of single plate and double plate fixation methods for treatment of humeral shaft non-union

Abstract

Introduction: Humerus shaft fractures may be treated conservatively or surgically. In 2.5% to 13% of cases, non-union is observed, and it leads to severe pain and morbidity. Plate osteosynthesis has become popular in the treatment of non-union of the humeral shaft. In this study, we compared the clinical outcomes of patients with humerus shaft non-union whom we treated with single- or double-plate fixation.Materials and Methods: Fifty-three patients diagnosed with aseptic humeral shaft non-union and treated with plate fixation were included in the study. Patients were evaluated according to the number of plates (single vs. double plates). The two groups were subjected to statistical evaluation according to their clinical and radiographical results.Results: The average age of the patients was 53 years (range: 1-86); 28 (52.8%) were female and 25 (47.2%) were male. The union rate was 90.32% for single plate and 90.91% for double plate fixation. There was no statistically significant difference between single and double plates in the clinical and radiographical results (union time, union rate, Q-DASH score) (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of time to union and union rates between single plate and double plate fixations for surgical treatment of humeral shaft nonunions. However, superior clinical results were obtained in the early recovery phase of shoulder and elbow functions with double plate fixation.