Outcomes and Complications o f Nonunion o f Humeral Shaft Fractures Treated w ith Locked Compression Plate: A Prospective Study

Background : Management of nonunion of humeral shaft fractures are difficult. This study was conducted to evaluate outcomes and complications of these cases treated with locking compression plate (LCP) and autogenous bone grafting . Materials and Methods: Twenty - four patients of non - union of humeral diaphyseal fractures were included in this study . Fracture ends were f reshened, reduced , fixed with locking compression plate and auto iliac bone grafting was done in all the cases. Clinico - radiological assessments were done for each case at each follow - up visit. T im e to fracture union, union rate, functional outcome and complication such as infection, malunion, delayed union, implant failure and joint stiffness were recorded. Modified Constant and Murley Scoring was used to assess functional outcome of the fracture fixation. Results : The mean fracture union time was 16.4 ± 5.8 weeks (range 10 – 48 weeks). This study had 100% union rate. After assessing modified Constant and Murley scoring, 10 cases had excellent functional outcome, 9 had good and 5 had fair functional outcome. The mean Constant and Murley score was 18.74 in the preoperative period (range 0 - 34) and 81.20 ( range 38 - 98) at the time of final followup. The range of motion at shoulder joint was excellent in 20 and moderate in 4 cases, and the range of motion at the elbow joint was excellent in 22 and moderate in 2 cases. Conclusion: This study concludes that LCP is a good implant to treat cases of non - union of humeral shaft fractures with good functional outcomes and acceptable rate of complications.