[Interlocking intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures in adults]

We evaluated the effectiveness of interlocking intramedullary nailing in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures.

Forty-three patients (30 men, 13 women; mean age 42 years; range 20 to 83 years) were treated with interlocking intramedullary nailing for humeral shaft fractures. All fractures but one (type II open) were closed. Three patients had radial nerve, one patient had radial and ulnar nerve dysfunction. As all the nerve lesions were assessed as neuropraxia, no immediate surgical exploration was performed. Intramedullary nailing was performed by closed (18 fractures) and open technique (25 fractures), with (n=22) or without (n=21) reaming. Functional evaluation was made according to the Constant-Murley's shoulder scoring system. The mean follow-up was 16.5 months (range 5 to 40 months).

Radiologically, union was achieved in all patients in a mean of 15.6 weeks. No surgery-associated nerve injuries or infections were encountered. Preoperative nerve dysfunction resolved in all patients in a mean of 12.5 weeks. No signs of rotator cuff impingement or restriction were detected in two patients in whom the nails were placed high in close proximity to the shoulder girdle. Of these, one patient underwent reoperation for the removal of the nail after the fracture union completed. Functional results were excellent in all patients at the end of postoperative three months. No significant correlation was found between the techniques employed and time to union and functional outcome.

Interlocking intramedullary nailing provides adequate fixation and early mobilization, and results in satisfactory radiographic and functional results in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures.