Background: We have conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness of Orange City tapping nail in humeral diaphyseal fractures in terms of radiological union, shoulder function and complications. It's a pilot study with the new implant "Orange City tapping nail" developed at our institute.
Materials and methods: Thirty patients with humeral diaphyseal fractures were treated with Orange City tapping nail through antegrade nailing procedure. The cases were followed up prospectively for a period of minimum six months. Outcome of the procedure were assessed according to American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, radiological union, complications and secondary procedures required.
Results: Twenty eight (93.33%) fractures united with an average consolidation time of 15.75 weeks. Two patients had nonunion. Functional outcome was excellent to good in 24 (80%) patients. One (3.33%) case had infection with Orange City tapping nail.
Conclusion: Results of Orange City tapping nail were excellent to good for humeral diaphyseal fractures in terms of union, shoulder function and complications. It is a safe, easy and reliable method for the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures. Postoperative shoulder stiffness and impingement depends on operative technique and postoperative rehabilitation. We need a larger comparative study with conventional antegrade nail to evaluate the effectiveness of the implant.
Keywords: Antegrade nailing; Humeral diaphyseal fractures; Orange City tapping nail.