Comparative Study Between the Dynamic Compression Plating (Dcp) and the Intramedullary Interlocking Nailing in Diaphyseal Fractures of the Humerus in Adults.

The aim of our study was to find the difference between the mean duration of union and functional outcome between the dynamic compression plating (DCP) and the intramedullary interlocking nailing in diaphyseal fractures of the humerus in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2008, 34 patients with diaphyseal fractures of the humerus were treated with compression plating using dynamic compression plate or with intramedullary interlocking nail. The time taken for radiological union in the two groups was compared. After satisfactory radiological union, the functional outcome was assessed by the "Disabilities of Hand, Shoulder and Elbow (DASH) Questionnaire". RESULTS: All fractures united and a marginal difference was noted in the time taken for union. The functional outcome was better in DCP group compared to interlocking nailing group which was statistically significant (P= 0.010). The complication associated with interlocking group was more than the DCP group. CONCLUSION: We are of the opinion that when surgery is opted as a choice of treatment, both the modalities of treatment i.e. dynamic compression plating and interlocking nailing are good as far as union of the fracture is concerned, but considering the number of complications and functional outcome, we opine that dynamic compression plating offers better result than antegrade interlocking nailing with respect to pain and function of the shoulder joint.