Prospective RCT of 44 patients randomized to DCP vs. locked IMN fixation for humeral shaft fractures, with minimum 6-month follow-up. Compares functional outcomes (ASES score, pain VAS), complication rates, and need for secondary surgery between the two techniques.
When a humeral shaft fracture requires surgical fixation, DCP is the default choice — equivalent function to IMN but with dramatically fewer complications and reoperations.
If you use an IMN, go retrograde whenever possible: antegrade insertion carries a high risk of shoulder impingement, likely from rotator cuff damage at the entry point.
Prospective RCT of 44 patients randomized to DCP vs. locked IMN fixation for humeral shaft fractures, with minimum 6-month follow-up. Compares functional outcomes (ASES score, pain VAS), complication rates, and need for secondary surgery between the two techniques.
When a humeral shaft fracture requires surgical fixation, DCP is the default choice — equivalent function to IMN but with dramatically fewer complications and reoperations.
If you use an IMN, go retrograde whenever possible: antegrade insertion carries a high risk of shoulder impingement, likely from rotator cuff damage at the entry point.