Interlocking intramedullary nailing versus compression plating in the treatment of humeral fractures: Analysis of shoulder functional recovery, complication rates, and risk factors for reoperation

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effects and reoperation risks of interlocking intramedullary nailing(IMN) versus compression plating for the treatment of humeral fractures.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study. Sixty patients with humeral fractures admitted to Baoding Forensic Hospital between November 2022 to November 2024 were enrolled as the study subjects. Information about surgical parameters (duration of operation [DoO], intraoperative blood loss[IBL]), postoperative shoulder function recovery, complications rates, and risk factors for reoperation were collected. Patients were divided into two major groups, receiving interlocking IMN (observation cohort, n=30) and compression plating (control cohort, n=30). t-test and chi-square test are used to compare the differences between two groups.

Results: The observation group had a shorter DoO and less IBL than the control group (P<0.05). The observation group showed faster recovery of shoulder joint function at three and six months after surgery than control cohort (P<0.05). Complications rates in the observation group was lower than in the control cohort (P<0.05). Results showed that there were statistically significant differences in DoO, fracture type, osteoporosis, surgical approach, and postoperative complications between the non-reoperation group and the reoperation group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: After internal fixation with interlocking intramedullary nail for humeral fracture, shoulder joint function recovers faster, operation related indicators are better, complication rate and reoperation risk factors are lower.