Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing in treatment of humeral shaft fractures prevents plate implantation-induced stress shield or radial nerve injury, and accords with modern minimally invasive orthopedics. It has become a biological internal fixation method.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness between antegrade and retrograde intramedullary nailing for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures.
METHODS: A total of 18 patients with humeral shaft fractures were treated with Russell-Taylor nail, including 10 antegrade nailing and 8 retrograde nailing. The shoulder function was evaluated using X-ray examination.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 14 patients were followed-up for 8-15 months, including 8 of antegrade nailing and 6 of retrograde nailing. The shoulder function was excellent in 5 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 1 case undergoing antegrade nailing; excellent in 5 and good in 1 undergoing retrograde nailing. Antegrade and retrograde nailing have similar treatment results, which reduce radial nerve injury, decrease trauma, and fix well. However, antegrade nailing can injury rotator cuff, and retrograde nailing may lead to bone breakage. Therefore, they may be good alternatives for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures according to the condition of patients.