Outcome Assessment of Operative Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fractures by Antegrade Unreamed Humeral Nailing (UHN)

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of humeral shaft fractures treated with Unreamed Humeral Nailing (UHN) system. Fixation of the humeral shaft fractures in this study was performed by minimal incision UHN system, without using its distal locking properties. Forty one patients were treated this way. Functional status of shoulder and elbow were evaluated using Society of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (SASES) scoring system. During follow up period, no superficial or deep infections were observed. Mean union time was 13 weeks. Shoulder and elbow functions using SASES scale were excellent or good in 93 % of the patients. Complications included delayed union in 3(7.3 %), nonunion in 2(4.8 %) and radial nerve palsy in 1(2.4 %). Antegrade unreamed humeral Nailing is an acceptable, safe and reliable treatment for humeral shaft fractures.