[Results of treatment of humerus shaft fractures]

"It is common practice to treat shaft fractures of the humerus conservatively" says the relevant literature. The results of 126 humerus shaft fractures in the years 1980 to 1989 are reported: 28 fractures were treated conservatively, 98 fractures underwent surgery using plate fixation, mainly the broad AO/ASIF-4,5-mm-DCP. As complications following operative treatment 4 temporary palsies of the radial nerve (4%), three cases of infection (3%) and one non-union (1%) were observed. The striking advantages of internal fixation are the chance of early functional treatment and the high convenience for the patient. The results reveal correctly performed osteosynthesis as an alternative method to conservative treatment of humerus shaft fractures.