Being overweight and multiple fractures are indications for operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures.

Abstract

Excellent clinical results can be obtained with non-operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures. In certain patients, operative stabilization is the treatment of choice. This study was initiated to determine the results of non-operative treatment in relation to multiple fractures and being overweight. From 1985 to 1992 we treated 35 humeral shaft fractures in 34 patients by non-operative methods. The median age was 51 (18-84) years. There were 12 women and 22 men. Nine were in overweight patients and 11 were in patients with multiple fractures. Fractures in overweight patients were followed for 158 (60-597) days and the Neer score was 61 (50-72) points. Patients with multiple fractures were followed for 178 (52-970) days and the Neer score was 72 (38-96) points. Single fractures in non-overweight patients were followed for 70 (35-412) days and the Neer score was 94 (65-100) points. These results show that humeral shaft fractures in certain patients may best be treated by operative stabilization.