Intramedullary Nailing Vs Plate Fixation for the Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fractures; which One is Better?

Introduction: Humeral shaft fractures are among the most common long bone fractures. Intramedullary nailing (IMN) and Plate fixation are common approaches with diverse outcomes. The aim of the current study is to compare the outcomes of the mentioned modalities in the treatment of Humeral shaft fractures in a twelve-month follow-up study. Methods: 90 patients with traumatic fractures of the humeral shaft were randomized into two groups: those treated by IMN and those treated by Plate fixation approach. Intraoperative blood loss was evaluated by hemoglobin test before and within three days after the surgery. Incidence of the complications, including delayed union, nonunion, and nerve injury, were evaluated using questionnaires. The functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and pain score. Results: Patients in the IMN group showed higher ASES score and better overall shoulder function (P-value