Traditional Mongolian Medicine Bone-Setting Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Humeral Surgical Neck Fracture: A Prospective Non-Randomized Comparative Cohort Study
Traditional Mongolian Medicine Bone-Setting Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Humeral Surgical Neck Fracture: A Prospective Non-Randomized Comparative Cohort Study
The goal of this study was to compare Traditional Mongolian Medicine (TMM) bone-setting with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for adults with humeral surgical neck fracture. The study examined whether the two treatment approaches were associated with different patterns of pain relief and recovery of shoulder function during 6 months of follow-up. Participants received either TMM bone-setting or ORIF surgery. Treatment selection was based on patient preference and clinical judgement rather than random assignment. Researchers assessed pain and shoulder function at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment using the Visual Analogue Scale for pain and the Constant-Murley shoulder score.
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This was a prospective, single-center, non-randomized comparative study conducted at the Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Medicine Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China. Sixty adults with radiographically confirmed Neer 2-part humeral surgical neck fracture were included, with 30 receiving Traditional Mongolian Medicine bone-setting and 30 undergoing open reduction and internal fixation surgery. Treatment selection was based on patient preference and clinical judgement. The Traditional Mongolian Medicine bone-setting intervention consisted of closed manual reduction followed by external fixation using wooden splints, pressure padding, and bandage ties. Post-fixation assessment included evaluation of distal circulation, skin condition, sensation, pain, and swelling, followed by radiographic confirmation of fracture alignment. No herbal paste, botanical preparation, alcohol-based spray or rub, or other topical medicinal preparation was administered as part of the study intervention. The comparator was open reduction and internal fixation using locking plate fixation with postoperative rehabilitation. Participants were followed for 6 months. The study evaluated longitudinal differences in pain and shoulder function between the two treatment groups.