Comparison of outcome of fracture shaft of humerus treated conservatively with a functional brace versus open reduction and internal fixation.

Objective: To determine the frequency of non-union with functional brace versus operative techniques using open reduction and internal fixation in managing mid-shaft humerus fracture. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Period: 20th July 2023 to 20th January 2024. Methods: A total of 156 patients of both genders with mid-shaft humerus fractures were included in the study. Patients in group A were treated surgically. In group B patients were treated non-operatively. At the end of 12 weeks frequency of union/malunion was noted in both groups. Results: The age range in this study was from 18 to 60 years with a mean age of 39.666±12.78 years in Group A and a mean age of 42.423±10.66 years in Group B. Male gender was dominant in both groups (76.9% and 71.8%). Nonunion was observed in 2 (2.6%) patients in group A as compared to 15 (19.2%) patients in group B (P= 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study emphasizes that surgical intervention using ORIF is more effective than non-operative management.