Abstract: With the advances in mechanization, increasing speed of life and increased life expectancy in the swarming population, the humerus fractures are increasingly seen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of antegrade and retrograde humerus nailing in terms of fracture union, functional outcomes, Complications.
Materials and Methods: 40 patients with fracture shaft humerus was treated with closed intramedullary interlocking nailing over a period of 5 years i.e, from June 2011 to June 2016 at tertiary care hospital. The inclusion criteria were closed fracture shaft humerus in skeletally matured patient. Patients with compound fractures shaft humerus, skeletally immature and fracture proximal and distal humerus were excluded from study.
Results: The mean age of patient was 39.25 years. Majority of patient were males (75%). Road traffic injury was the commonest mode of injury accounting for 36 patients. Radiological union was seen at 10wks to 16 wks. In our study of 40 patients shoulder function was excellent in 34 (85%) patients, good in 2 (5%) patient and fair in 4 (10 %) patient. Elbow function was excellent in 36 (90%) patients and good in 2 (5%) and fair in 2 (5%). 1 (2.5%) patients suffered posterior cortex comminution at fracture site while nail insertion in retrograde technique. 4 (10%) patients had nail impingement of proximal end who were operated by antegrade technique.
Conclusion: As compare to antegrade nailing we found retrograde nailing had fewer complications and better results including healing rate and eventual functional recovery of the patient though retrograde nailing is time consuming and techniqually more demanding procedure.
