Early Fixation for Diaphyseal Humeral Shaft Fractures in the Elderly Patients

Early Fixation for Diaphyseal Humeral Shaft Fractures in the Elderly Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

The study purpose is to evaluate whether early surgical fixation of upper arm fractures in elderly patients' age 65 years and older improves patient functional and psychological outcome scores compared to the standard of care with non-operative management.

A prospective cohort study following patients that are 65 years or older after they have suffered a humeral shaft fracture. Follow up will continue until 1 year post treatment to see functional and psychological outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diaphyseal humeral shaft fracture (as defined as superior border of insertion of pectoralis major proximally, to the distal diaphysis)
2. Ambulatory (with or without the use of walking aides)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Fractures with intra-articular extension
2. Ipsilateral upper extremity injury
3. Patients with vascular injury
4. Brachial plexus injury
5. Compartment syndrome
6. Pathological fractures
7. Open fractures
8. Periprosthetic fracture
9. BMI >40
10. Dementia or cognitive impairment that inhibits the collection of outcome measures
11. Likely problems, in the judgement of the investigator, with maintaining follow-up (i.e. patients with no fixed address, not mentally competent to give consent, intellectually challenged, patients without adequate support, etc.)
12. Inability to provide informed consent