ABSTRACT
Humeral shaft fractures can be described by their location and pattern: The AO classification is a widely accepted system to describe these injuries. Functional bracing is accepted for the following criteria: Functional bracing is appropriate in the following circumstances: Radial nerve palsy is not a contraindication to functional bracing. Functional bracing remains the main treatment of humeral shaft fractures, particularly in low-energy injuries. Closure and postoperative management are undertaken as described for the anterolateral approach. Intramedullary nailing offers the option of less invasive surgery while achieving stable fixation of humeral shaft fractures. Postoperative management is undertaken as described for open reduction and internal fixation. Radial nerve injuries occur in approximately 12 per cent of humeral shaft fractures. Care with intramedullary nailing is therefore essential some authors advocate direct visualization of the fracture site in all cases where intramedullary nailing is undertaken, to ensure that the radial nerve is not damaged during either fracture reduction or the reaming process.
