Abstract
Aim In our study, we aimed to evaluate the duration and rate of the union of adult humerus diaphysis fractures treated with a functional brace. Methods Forty-six adult patients admitted to our hospital with humeral diaphyseal fracture between January 2010 and April 2014 and treated with a functional brace were evaluated retrospectively. The demographic data, fracture type, level of fracture, and presence of bone union of the patients were evaluated from clinic records. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire score of the patients was registered for patients and analyzed, and its correlation with parameters such as patient age and fracture bone union time was evaluated. Results It was observed that of the patients with the mean age of 45.5 years, six (13.6%) had non-union and five had delayed bone union (10.86%). Three (6.5%) patients had radial nerve injury, and all recovered without sequelae. Out of the patients with the bone union, 12 (30%) had an angulation above give degrees, and 3 (7.5%) had radiological shortness. The mean Quick-DASH score was 6.7, and there was no statistically significant correlation with parameters such as fracture type, level, angulation, radiological shortness and radial nerve involvement (p>0.05). Conclusions A functional brace is a good treatment choice with low complication rates and has satisfactory bone union rates in humerus diaphyseal fractures.