Long-term Clinical Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Humeral Shaft Fractures with In-tramedullary Nails

Abstract：Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the intramedullary nail technique for humeral shaft fractures. Methods From May 2010 to July 2012,68 cases of humeral shaft fractures with average age of 44. 5 year-old(22 ~ 71)who received closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation were included in this retrospective study. There were 31 males and 37 fe-males. According to AO classification,51 cases were type A,11 cases were type B,6 cases were type C. All the humeral shaft fractures received close reduction and antegrade intramedullary nail fixation. No open technique was used. All patients received rehabilitation after surgery immediately and were followed up periodically after discharge. The mean follow-up period was 44. 3 months(range 38 to 52 months). The Constant scores and EuroQol 5 dimensions scores(EQ-5D)were applied to evaluate the shoulder function and life quality after surgery. Results All the operations were performed successfully. No wound complica-tion was observed. The data of clinical outcomes were obtained by outpatient visiting and telephone periodically. At the last fol-low-up there were 39(57. 4% )excellent,24(35. 3% )good,3(4. 4% )fair,2(2. 9% )poor according to the Constant scores with total excellent to good rate up to 92. 7% . The EQ-5D scores showed the life quality were similar with that before injury(P﹥ 0. 05). There was no case complicated with nonunion,delayed union,infection and deformity during the follow-up period. Conclusion As an effective minimally invasive treatment for humeral shaft fractures,close reduction and intramedullary nail fixation can ensure reliable clinical outcome with less complications,and early function recovery.