36 patients with an acute fracture of the humeral shaft were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using AO plating techniques. In 32 patients an open fracture or multiple injuries, or both, were the indications for internal fixation. 4 patients were treated after non-operative treatment failed to maintain a satisfactory reduction. Follow-up was possible for 34 patients and showed that 33 fractures united primarily and one failed to unite, necessitating 2 subsequent procedures. 2 superficial wound infections in patients with an open fracture and one transient postoperative radial-nerve palsy were the only complications. A functional range of motion in the elbow and shoulder was regained in all but 6 patients, and they had severe skeletal or soft-tissue injuries in the same extremity. When indicated, internal fixation using plating techniques can give good results provided the correct principles of fixation are carefully followed.
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36 patients with an acute fracture of the humeral shaft were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using AO plating techniques. In 32 patients an open fracture or multiple injuries, or both, were the indications for internal fixation. 4 patients were treated after non-operative treatment failed to maintain a satisfactory reduction. Follow-up was possible for 34 patients and showed that 33 fractures united primarily and one failed to unite, necessitating 2 subsequent procedures. 2 superficial wound infections in patients with an open fracture and one transient postoperative radial-nerve palsy were the only complications. A functional range of motion in the elbow and shoulder was regained in all but 6 patients, and they had severe skeletal or soft-tissue injuries in the same extremity. When indicated, internal fixation using plating techniques can give good results provided the correct principles of fixation are carefully followed.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.