Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Treating Closed Humeral Shaft Fractures in Adults Using a Functional Brace

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Closed humeral shaft fractures are common injuries in adults.
• Non-operative management is a viable treatment option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of treating closed humeral shaft fractures in adults using a functional brace.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case series of 12 adult patients with closed humeral shaft fractures.
• Initial management with a U-shaped slab followed by a functional brace.
• Clinical and radiological assessments, including Hunter's criteria, Constant-Murley Score (CMS), and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).

Main Results:

• 100% fracture union rate at a mean of 10 weeks.
• 8 patients (66.7%) achieved excellent outcomes (Grade V) and 3 (25%) had very good outcomes (Grade IV).
• High functional scores (mean CMS: 91.8, mean MEPS: 96.2) and acceptable final angular displacement without significant correlation to functional outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Functional bracing is a safe and effective treatment for closed humeral shaft fractures in adults.
• It leads to high union rates and excellent clinical and radiological results.