Humeral Shaft Fractures: Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects at Kati University Hospital

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of humeral shaft fractures in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of Kati University Hospital. It was a descriptive study with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, including all patients presenting with a traumatic humeral shaft fracture treated and followed for at least 12 months. These fractures represented 2.33% of traumatic injuries. The mean age of patients was 40.1±16 years, with a male predominance (ratio : 2.3). Road traffic accidents were the main etiology (55%). These were exclusively closed fractures. These fractures were simple (AO/OTA Type A) in 45.2%. Midshaft fractures were the most frequent (42.9%). Radial nerve injuries were found in 11.9% of patients, dominated by neurapraxia (9.5%). These fractures occurred in the context of polytrauma in 23.7% of cases. Conservative treatment was predominant (59.5%), using a cast in 23.8% (n=10). Surgical treatment was used in 40.5%. The screwed plate was the most used implant (23.8%, n=10). The evolution was marked by joint stiffness (7.5%), delayed union (5%), and infection (5%). Bone union was achieved between 3 to 6 months in 39 cases (92.8%). Outcomes according to the Stewart and Hundley score [9] were good (35.7%), very good (33.3%), or poor (12.0%). Humeral shaft fractures are common in our department. They require rigorous, early, and individualized management, including appropriate follow-up and rehabilitation.