~ 52 ~ International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences 2016; 2(2): 52-55 ISSN: 2395-1958 IJOS 2016; 2(2): 52-55 © 2016 IJOS www.orthopaper.com Received: 22-02-2016 Accepted: 24-03-2016 Dr. Sanjeev Chincholi Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Gulberga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalburgi, Karnataka. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Gulberga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalburgi, Karnataka. Correspondence Dr. Sanjeev Chincholi Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Gulberga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalburgi, Karnataka. Surgical management of fracture shaft of humerus Dr. Sanjeev Chincholi, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Abstract Fracture shaft of the humerus is a major injury commonly resulting from Road Traffic Accident. It is associated with multiple fractures because of high velocity trauma of R T A. Although the close reduction is ideal, the O.R. + I.F. with plating is treatment of choice in certain indications. The DCP plating has an advantage over the ASIF type of plates in securing rigid fixation and early mobilisation with out any external splintage. Full attention to the training and familiarity with the proposed procedure will yield good operative results. Poor technique of fixation often results in poor results. The complication of infection can be prevented with aseptic precautions, pre-op preparation, pre-per and post- op antibiotics and above all meticulous dissection and minimum soft tissue damage. Early mobility of the limb is responsible for excellent results and is good for fracture and joints and for the patient. Early return to the jobs thus saves the patients from economic setbacks is possible by stable fixation which result in early healing. Exploration of radial nerve in cases with radial N. palsy, for relieving compression and neurolysis has certainly helped in early recovery. One of the aim in the management of patient with multiple injuries is to achieve an upright position with pain free extremities. The early plating of humeral shaft fracture help to attain this goal and prevents "Fracture disease" by allowing early mobilisation. Keywords: Humerus, Fracture Introduction There is an increase in incidence of high velocity injury to lower end of humerus. These cases with compound comminuted intercondylar fractures present a challenge to Orthopaedic surgeons. Controversies & challenges exist regarding management of compound comminuted intercondylar fracture distal end humerus. Dual locking anatomical or reconstruction plates have become a gold standard for open reduction & internal fixation of closed distal humerus fractures. But, severe contamination of bone fragments, bone loss, surrounding soft tissue devitalization & contamination prevents usage of reconstruction plates for these compound intra-articular fractures [1, 2] . Materials and Methods Twenty cases of fracture shaft of humerus admitted to the orthopedic department of Government District hospital Gulbarga Between Jan 2011 to Jan 2013: cases have been taken up for this clinical study. All were fresh fractures except one case which was malunited fracture shaft of humerus (mid shaft, 8 weeks old.) All the cases were admitted either through causality department or out patient block. The cases taken up are traumatic in nature and caused mainly by Road Traffic accidents (R T A). Among these 40 cases there were only 10 females, and 30 males with ratio of 1:3. Age of the patient varied from 10 to 50 years, average being 28.4 of these 8 were between 10 and 20 years, 12 were between 20 and 30 years, 18 were between 30 and 40 years and two cases of 50 years. Results The end result of all the 40 cases evaluated by regular follow up at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks and there after for the date of discharge, revealed that all the fractures had healed. It was assessed after taking the following aspects in to consideration. 1. Clinical and radiological evidence of fracture union. 2. Range of movement at elbow and shoulder joint. 3. Post-operative infection. 4. Associated radial nerve palsy. 5. Time of return to duty. 6. Total period of hospitalization.