Abstract

Objective: To examine the functional outcomes of titanium elastic nails procedure in patients presented with diaphyseal fracture of humerus.

Study Design: Prospective/observational Place and Duration of Study: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019.

Methodology: Twenty six cases of both genders with ages 20 to 60 years presented with diaphyseal fractures of humerus were included in this study. Patient’s detailed medical history including age, sex, residency, etiology of fracture, type of fracture, side of fractures and severity of fractures were examined after informed consent from all the patients. All the fractures were treated with titanium elastic nailing. Clinical outcomes were examined such as time of union, functional outcomes by DASH scoring and post-operative complications. Follow-up was taken at 3 to 16 weeks for union.

Results: Nineteen (73.07%) patients were male while 7 (26.92%) patients were females. 9 (34.62%) patients were ages 20 to 30 years, 6 (23.08%) patients were ages 31 to 40 years, 7 (26.92%) were ages 41 to 50 years and 4 (15.38%) patients had ages above 50 years. RTA was the most common cause of fracture found in 16 (61.54%) patients. 73.08% fractures were on right side, 22 (84.62%) patients had mid one third fracture and 15 (57.69%) patients had transverse fractures. Union was achieved in 24 (92.30%) patients while 1 patient had delayed union and 1 patient had non-union. Mean union time was 9.75+2.55 weeks (5 to 16 weeks). According to the DASH scoring 23 (88.46%) patients had no disability and 2 patients had mild to moderate.

Conclusion: Titanium elastic nail procedure is safe and effective treatment modality for treatment of fracture of humerus in term of less complications and union of bone.

Keywords: Diaphyseal fracture of humerus, Titanium elastic nail, Functional outcomes, Union of bone, Non-union