TREATMENT OF CLOSED HUMERUS DIAPHYSEAL FRACTURES USING A FUNCTIONAL BRACE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the functional outcome of closed fracture shaft of humerus treated with functional brace.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.

Place and Duration of Study: Orthopedic Surgery department, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jun 2018 to Nov 2018.

Methodology: A total of 45 patients of both genders having isolated closed humeral diaphyseal fracture ≤2 weeks old were included in the study. Patients were initially managed with the application of plaster of paris splint. After 7 days the splint was substituted by a functional brace and all patients were followed up on regular basis at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th and finally at 16th weeks.

Results: The mean age of patients was 32.8 ± 7.4 years with a range of 21-47 years. Among the total of 45 patients, 31 patients (68.9%) showed very good results, 10 patients (22.2%) showed good result, 3 patients (6.7%) showed fair result while poor result with non-union was present in 1 patient (2.2%). Union was achieved in 97.8% patients.

Conclusion: Functional brace was found an effective treatment modality in the management of close diaphyseal fractures of humerus.