Orange city tapping nail: An innovative implant for humeral diaphyseal fractures.

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.