Outcomes of Humeral Shaft Fractures Treated with Platting in Adults: A Study from a Tertiary Care Center in India

Abstract

Introduction: The Shaft Humerus fractures account for 3-5% of all fractures, with no obvious single best surgical method to manage this injury. Even today, both non-operative and operative methods can be used for the patients. Operative methods curtail prolonged immobilization, provide early rehabilitation and excellent to a good outcome with due surgical complication risk. Objective: This study evaluates the clinical and radiological outcome of shaft humerus fracture treated by platting in adults. Study Design: Retrospective study Methods: We did a retrospective study of 60 cases presented to our institute with shaft humerus fracture between November 2023 to April 2025 with closed, extra articular shaft humerus fracture. Follow-up details of 1st week, 4th week, 3rd month, and 6th month were obtained from hospital records and clinical notes. No active follow-up was performed during the study period. Final functional outcome of the patients was assessed with DASH Score, and clinical outcome of the patient was evaluated with Constant-Murley scoring system. Result: In our study, mean duration for satisfactory radiographic union was 12 weeks; Two patients developed post-operative surgical site infection, four patients had Delayed union, one patient had Non-union, and two patients had Radial nerve palsy. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 6 months. Conclusion: There is no one treatment option that is best in every situation for a specific fracture, and each case needs to be tailored individually. Plating has demonstrated superior overall outcomes compared to interlocking nails in managing closed humeral shaft fractures.