Open plate fixation versus nailing for humeral shaft fractures: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised clinical trials and observational studies.
Frank Joseph Paulus BeeresNicole van VeelenRoderick Marijn HouwertBjörn Christian LinkMarilyn HengMatthias KnobeRolf Hendrik Herman GroenwoldReto BabstBryan Joost Marinus van de WallPublished in: European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society (2021)
Nailing carries a lower risk of infection, postoperative radial nerve palsy, has a shorter operation duration and possibly a shorter time to union. Shoulder impingement requiring re-intervention, however, is an inherent disadvantage of nail fixation. Notably, absolute differences are small and almost all patients with radial nerve palsy recovered spontaneously. Satisfactory results can be achieved with both treatment modalities.