AAMAR MUNIR, JEHAN ZAIB SHAH

200-203

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ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the functional outcome in humeral shaft fractures after treatment with U cast and functional brace.

STUDY DESIGN: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PLACE AND DURATION: The study was conducted over a period of 6 months in Benazir Bhutto Hospital Rawalpindi, Orthopaedics Department from 1 Nov 2012 to 31 May 2013.

METHODOLOGY: 280 patients of either gender from 20-60 years of age with closed Humeral Shaft Fractures were included in the study. All patients were treated in OPD by trainee researcher under supervision. Patients were divided in 2 groups on the basis of lottery method. In group A functional brace was applied and in group B conventional U-cast was applied. Functional outcome was assessed in terms of subjective evaluation by using Hunter's criteria at 06 weeks by the researcher trainee.

RESULTS: A total of 280 Patients were included in both groups. In Group A Hunter's score was G-1 in 4 patients (1.4%), G-2 in 6 patients (2.1%), G-3 in 7 patients (2.5%), G-4 in 39 patients (13.9%) and G-5 in 84 patients (30%). In Group B Hunter's score was G-1 in 8 patients (2.9%), G-2 in 14 patients (5%), G-3 in 41 patients 14.6(%), G-4 in 45 patients (16.1%) and G-5 in 32 patients (11.4%).

CONCLUSION: Functional Outcome after the treatment of Humerus in patients treated with Humerus brace is better than functional outcome in patients treated with conventional U cast.

KEY WORDS: U cast, U-slab, Functional brace, Humerus fracture