Dynamic compression plating versus locked intramedullary nailing for humeral shaft fractures: a meta-analysis of RCTs and nonrandomized studies

Purpose

There is no consensus regarding treatment of humeral shaft fracture. In this meta-analysis, we pooled studies to compare dynamic compression plate with locked intramedullary nail for this injury.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies published between January 1995 and July 2012. Evaluated endpoints were method-related complications and revision. Study quality was assessed, and meta-analyses were analyzed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s REVMAN 5.0 software.

Results

Fourteen randomized controlled (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies with 727 patients were analyzed. There was a significantly higher risk of total method-related complications and shoulder impairment resulting from locked intramedullary nailing compared with dynamic compression plating. Plating was significantly associated with a higher risk of infection and postoperative nerve palsy. There was no significant difference with respect to nonunion and revision rate.

Conclusions

Nailing may cause more method-related complications and shoulder impartment than plating, although it may lead to a lower risk of infection and postoperative nerve palsy. In the future, more high-quality RCTs are required to enhance these conclusions.