A comparative study of the results of locking compression plating and stack nailing in diaphyseal fracture of humerus

Introduction: Fracture of humeral shaft are commonly encountered by an orthopedic surgeon and accounting for approximately 3-5% of all fractures. we conducted a prospective comparative study of surgical stabilisation of diaphyseal humerus fracture by locking compression plate with stack nailing a very low cost method of treatment. Materials and Methods: 60 consecutive patients operated with either locking compression plating or stack nailing for acute fractures of shaft humerus during the period from 2009 to 2011 with minimum follow-up of 12 months were included in the present analysis. Results: Five out of the sixty patients showed non-union (1 in plating and 4 in stack nailing). Conclusion: We conclude from the study that locking compression plating is the preferred method in the majority of fractures of the shaft of the humerus with better preservation of joint function and lesser need for secondary bone grafting for union and with better preservation of joint function.