J Korean Fract Soc.  2001 Apr;14(2):228-235. 10.12671/jksf.2001.14.2.228.

Postoperative Functional Assessments in Adult Humerus Shaft Fractures -Comparison Among Plates and Screws, Intramedullary Nail and External Fixator-

• Bae SW
• Kim WJ
• Song BY
• Choi NH
• Lee JH

• KMID: 1999426
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.2001.14.2.228

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess postoperative functional outcomes among plates, intramedullary nails and external fixators in adult humeral shaft fractures, including limitation of motion in shoulder and elbow, pain in activities of daily living. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 cases treated with plates and screws, 19 cases with antegrade intramedullary nails and 13 cases with external fixators were analyzed in terms of limitation of motion, postoperative pain and activities in daily living.
RESULTS
There was no statistical difference in the range of motion of shoulder and elbow among three groups. VAS(visual analogue scale) which expressed postoperative pain in the affected site was lowest in the group treated with plates and screws. ASES score(American shoulder and elbow surgeons'score) which expressed the activities of daily living was investigated the highest in the group treated with plates and screws, and the differences of VAS and ASES score among three groups have statistical significances.
CONCLUSION
The most satisfactory results were obtained in the group treated with plates and screws.

Keyword

Humerus shaft; Fracture; Functional assessment

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Adult*
Elbow
External Fixators
Humans
Humerus*
Pain, Postoperative
Range of Motion, Articular
Shoulder