A Study on Outcome of Conservative Management of Shaft Humerus Fracture: A Case Report

Conservative or surgical treatment options are available for humeral shaft fractures. To pinpoint individuals who would benefit from early surgical fixation, fracture characteristics were examined. In conservative treatment, the "U" slab prevents displacement, and overriding is corrected by gravity while the patient continues to move about. Rotation is prohibited for 14 days by holding the arm immobile to the chest with the elbow flexed. The preferred course of treatment for fractures of the humeral shaft at all levels is the hanging cast.

This study was conducted at Eras Lucknow Medical College and Hospital. Forty patients with Humerus shaft fractures (HSF) who met the inclusion criteria and presented in casualty or outpatient department participated in the study. This prospective cross-sectional study was of 24 months duration.

Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to calculate the mean with corresponding standard deviations (s.d.). Test of proportion was used to find the standard normal deviate (Z) to compare the difference.

The ratio of male and female (Male: Female) was 3:1. Test of proportion showed that the proportion of males (75.0%) was significantly higher than that of females (25.0%) (Z = 7.07; P < 0.001). Thus, in this study, the males were at higher risk of having fracture shaft of humerus than females. Right-sided fractures (57.5%) were significantly higher than left-sided fractures (42.5%) (Z = 2.12; P = 0.034). About 72.5% of the patients were with disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score between 14 and 16 which was significantly higher than other DASH scores (Z = 3.30; P < 0.0001).

Our observation regarding this study is that conservative management of HSF can be opted as the most effective way of treatment, and any complications due to any untoward event during the operative treatment should be limited.