Conservative Treatment Versus the Surgical Treatment of Diaphyseal Fractures of Humerus

Diaphyseal Fractures of the Humerus: A Prospective Cohort Study Comparing the Conservative Treatment and the Surgical Treatment.

The fracture of the humeral diaphysis is a condition that represents 2% of all fractures. The conservative treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the humerus has long been considered the only option and the surgical treatment was primarily reserved for displaced fractures with no contact of bone ends. However, for a few years there has been an upsurge of indications for the surgical treatment of diaphyseal fractures.

The purpose of this study is to compare the functional outcomes and the quality of life of surgically treated patients versus those who undergo a conservative treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female over 18 years
• Fracture of the humeral diaphysis
• Recent fracture (14 days or less)
• Closed fracture
• Signing of consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Segmental fracture of the humerus
• Fracture with proximal or distal intra articular extension
• Open fracture
• Polytrauma
• Floating elbow or shoulder
• Pathological fracture
• Simultaneous fracture of both humerus
• Associated vascular disease
• Severe neuromuscular disorders such as Parkinson, hemiparesis, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, etc. ...
• medical contraindication to surgery
• severe central neurological disease disabling patient to fill in questionnaires (senile dementia, Alzheimer's, etc ...
• Male or female unable to consent
• Any other condition which prevents the assessor from fully monitoring the patient during study