Abstract: Introduction: Intramedullary nail fixation has gained popularity and interest for the treatment of operative proximal humeral fractures. A diaphyseal fracture of the humerus is a common event accounting of approximately 3-5% of all fracture. Hence the present study was conducted with the aim to check the efficacy of interlocking nails in the treatment of diaphyseal fracture of humerus in adults.
Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients who satisfied the criteria were included in the study. All the patients were followed up at monthly interval for the first 3 months later at 2 monthly intervals till fracture union and once in 6 months till the completion of study. They were examined in details clinically and special stress was laid on shoulder and elbow range of movements and subjective complaints.
Results: The overall results were analysed at the end of the study. The excellent result was obtained in the 24 patients, good result was obtain in 12 patients and poor result was found in 4 patients. Along the humerus fracture, there were 10 patients who had associated fracture.
Discussion and Conclusion: Compared to other surgical modalities, closed intramedullary interlocking nailing is the least invasive surgical technique and has got least chance of post-operative infection and also reduces the hospital stay. Excellent results were seen in patients with associated injuries when humeral diaphyseal fractures were fixed with intramedullary interlocking nail as shown in the reduction in operative time and early rehabilitation. The advantages of intramedullary nailing are minimal surgical exposure, better biological fixation, and minimal disturbances of soft tissues and early mobilization of neighbouring joints.
