[Humeral shaft fracture in childhood]

In a collective study of twelve surgical clinics 222 diaphyseal fractures of the humerus in children were examined. 159 children were checked up two to 14 years after the accident. Priority was given to conservative treatment: Désault or Gilchrist dressing (24%), arm cast (34%), extension (29%), change from primary extension to secondary dressing or cast (27%), osteosynthesis (10%). Late results were excellent in 85%, whereas in 15% minor anatomical lesions persisted, such as axial deviations, but without functional impairment. There were eight transitory primary nerve lesions (3.6%), seven concerning the radial nerve, one the ulnar nerve. The individual therapeutic procedure depends on the age of the child and on the pattern of the fracture. Operative treatment is indicated in open fractures, in cases of polytraumatism, and in fractures with uncontrolled major axial deviation.