Results of the keyhole interlocked nailing for humeral diaphyseal fractures in adults

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of interlocked humerus nail through a keyhole incision for the management of humeral diaphyseal fractures in terms of radiological union, shoulder function, and complications. In this prospective study of sixty-two patients with humeral diaphyseal fractures in our institute (51 men, 11 women; mean age 42 years; range 20 to 73 years), fifty-nine fractures were closed and three were grade I open fractures. Three patients had a preoperative radial nerve palsy. Key hole surgery was performed by closed technique (n\u2009=\u200956) and limited open technique (n\u2009=\u20096) with reamed humerus interlocked nail through an antegrade nailing procedure. The cases were followed up prospectively for union and function. The mean follow-up was 12.3 months (range 12 months to 18 months). The outcome of the procedure was assessed according to American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, radiological union, complications, and secondary procedures required. Fifty-eight (93.33%) fractures united with an average consolidation time of 12.75 weeks. Two patients had delayed union. Two patients had nonunion which required plating and bone grafting. No cases of infection were encountered. Neuropraxia which was detected preoperatively recovered fully in all three cases between three and six weeks. The ASES scores were excellent-to-good in fifty-six (90.32%) patients, fairly functional outcome was noted in four patients(6.5%), and two patients (3.2%) continued to have poor function at the time of final follow-up. The results of keyhole interlocked humerus nail with proximal multi-locking options were excellent-to-good for humeral diaphyseal fractures in terms of union, shoulder function, and complications. It is a safe, easy, and reliable method for the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures.