Comparison of Dynamic Compression Plate Versus Locking Compression Plate Used for Fixation of Humeral Shaft Fractures in Terms of Fracture Healing and Functional Outcome of Shoulder and Elbow Joint

Objective: To compare the fracture healing and functional outcome of the shoulder and elbow joint in fractures of the shaft of the humerus fixed with a dynamic compression plate versus a locking compression plate. Methodology: A total of 66 patients presenting in the Outpatient and Emergency Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, were categorized into two treatment groups by lottery method: Group A: Dynamic Compression Plate (n=33) and Group B: Locking Compression Plate (n=33). Modified Constant and Murley Scores and Mayo Elbow Performance Scores were evaluated at 16 and 24 weeks postoperatively. Results: Results revealed no significant difference in terms of fracture healing for treatment modalities th at the 24 week of follow up i.e., DCP: 97% vs. LCP: 93.93%, p-value=0.554. Functional shoulder outcome showed a significant difference for both modalities (Modified Constant and Murley Score). 45.5% of patients in the DCP group had excellent while patients in the LCP group, 12.1% had excellent th outcomes (p-value=0.016). At the 16 week of follow-up in the DCP group, 66.7% of patients showed th good and in the LCP group, only 33.3% of patients had good outcomes (p-value=0.015). At the 24 follow-up week, 48.5 % of patients in the DCP group and 33.3% of patients in the LCP group had excellent elbow outcomes. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that DCP is more effective for treating humeral shaft fractures in terms of excellent shoulder and elbow functional outcomes when compared with LCP. However, both fixation devices did not show a statistically significant difference in union. Key Words: Fracture healing, humeral shaft fractures, dynamic compression plate, locking compression plate.