Complications in humeral shaft fractures – non-union, iatrogenic radial nerve palsy, and postoperative infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess risk for iatrogenic radial nerve palsy (iRNP), non-union, and post-operative infection in humeral shaft fractures. A PubMed search including original articles comparing different treatments for humeral shaft fractures published since January 2000 was performed. Random effect models with relative risks (RR) and 95% CIs were calculated for treatment groups and outcomes. Of the 841 results, 43 studies were included in the meta-analysis (11 level II, 5 level III, 27 level IV). Twenty-seven compared intramedullary nailing (IM) with ORIF, nine conservative with operative treatment, four ORIF with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), and three anterior/anterolateral with posterior approach. iRNP risk was higher for ORIF vs IM (18 studies; RR: 1.80; P = 0.047), ORIF vs MIPO (4 studies; RR: 5.60; P = 0.011), and posterior vs anterior/anterolateral approach (3 studies; RR: 2.68; P = 0.005). Non-union risk was lower for operative vs conservative therapy (six studies; RR: 0.37; P < 0.001), but not significantly different between ORIF and IM (21 studies; RR: 1.00; P = 0.997), or approaches (two studies; RR: 0.36; P = 0.369). Post-operative infection risk was higher for ORIF vs IM (14 studies; RR: 1.84; P = 0.004) but not different between approaches (2 studies; RR: 0.95; P = 0.960). Surgery appears to be the method of choice when aiming to secure bony union, albeit risk for iRNP has to be considered, particularly in case of ORIF vs IM or MIPO, and posterior approach. Due to the limited number of randomised studies, evidence on the best treatment option remains moderate, though.

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ORIF versus nailing for humeral shaft fractures: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised clinical trials and observational studies

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab202.054 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

B van de Wall ◽

N van Veelen ◽

R Babst ◽

B Link ◽

M Knobe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radial Nerve ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Nerve Palsy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Humeral Shaft ◽

Radial Nerve Palsy ◽

Humeral Shaft Fractures ◽

Shaft Fractures ◽

Operation Duration

Abstract Objective This meta-analysis aims to compare open reduction and internal fixation with a plate (ORIF) versus nailing for humeral shaft fractures in terms of healing, complications, general quality of life and shoulder/elbow function. Methods PubMed/Medline/Embase/CENTRAL/CINAHL was searched for both randomised clinical trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing ORIF with nailing for humeral shaft fractures. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models and presented as weighted odds ratio (OR) or risk difference (RD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Subgroup analysis was performed stratified by study design (RCTs and observational studies). Results A total of ten RCT's (525 patients) and eighteen observational studies (4906 patients) were included. The effect estimates obtained from observational studies and RCT's were similar in direction and magnitude. More patients treated with nailing required re-intervention (RD: 2%; OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.0 – 3.8) with shoulder impingement being the most predominant indication (17%). Temporary radial nerve palsy secondary to operation occurred less frequently in the nailing group (RD: 2%; OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3 – 0.6). Notably, all but one of the radial nerve palsies resolved sponta-neously in each groups. Nailing leads to a faster time to union (mean difference: -1.9 weeks, 95%CI -2.9 – -0.9), lower infection rate (RD: 2%; OR: 0.5, 95%CI 0.3 – 0.7) and shorter operation duration (mean difference: -26 minutes, 95%CI -37 – -14). No differences were found regarding non-union, general quality of life, functional shoulder scores, and total upper extremity scores. Conclusion Nailing carries a lower risk of infection, postoperative radial nerve palsy, shorter operation duration, and time to union. Absolute differences, however, are small and almost all patients with radial nerve palsy recovered spontaneously. Satisfactory results can be achieved with both treatment modalities and both techniques have their inherent pros and cons.

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