Results of early mobilisation in diaphyseal fractures of humeral shaft treated by Intra-medullary nailing

Fractures of the humeral shaft are usually the result of high energy trauma. The humeral diaphyseal fracture has been constantly surrounded by the controversy of its management. The techniques of interlocking nail fixation represents a newer approach to treatment of humeral fractures which provides all the advantages of the intra-medullary nail besides that it provides better rotational control. We studied the role of early mobilisation in humeral fractures treated by interlocking nail. METHODS AND MATERIAL A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from 2011 to 2014. Twenty patients were selected who met the inclusion criteria for the study. The post-op protocol was followed from first day and the final functional results were assessed at the end of 1 year in terms of union rate, Shoulder and elbow movements and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. RESULTS There were 20 patients out of which 12 were males and 8 were females. The average radiological union time was 13.5 weeks. The ASES Score was > 40 in 2 patients, 30-39 in 16 patients and < 30 in rest 2. The overall result was excellent in 2, good in 16 and poor in 2 patients. CONCLUSION On the basis of this study, we found that the fixation of humeral shaft fractures with interlocking nail is a good alternative to management with other fixation methods with the advantage of early mobilisation of the extremity and low incidence of complications if done properly.