Comparitive study of surgical management of humeral shaft fractures with D.C.P by henry's and thompson's approach in adults

Trauma has been the leading cause of mortality and morbidity since the beginning of mankind and is on the rise in the present age. The victim of bony injury, often the sole earning member of the family, faces prolonged immobilization, loss of wages and tough time for the entire family. Besides, the patient has often to live with the sequelae of stiff joints and functional disability. Early restoration of joint motion, return to the normal physiologic function and minimal morbidity is now regarded as the ideal fracture treatment.

To compare the surgical management of diaphyseal fracture humerus with dynamic compression plating by Henry's and Thompson's approach.

A Comparative prospective study was carried out from January 2014 to December 2014 at Department of Orthopedics in Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan. A total of 40 cases of Humerus shaft Fracture were operated, 20 by Henry and 20 by Thompson Approach.

Majority of the patients were in the age group of 26–40 years in our study in both the groups followed by patients with less than 25 years of age. Henry methods Union was achieved in 18(90%) of the cases and 2(10%) of the cases there was nonunion or delayed union. In Thompson procedure 19(95%) of the cases union was achieved and only 1 (5%) of the cases there was nonunion of fractures.

Dynamic compression plating of the humerus gives comparable results to ante grade nailing. It gives access to radial nerve exploration during palsy and also avoids shoulder impingement. Dynamic compression plating is the best modality of treatment for the shaft of humerus fractures.