[Clinical experiences in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures with the Sarmiento brace].

13 humeral shaft fractures were treated by Sarmiento-brace. Fracture-bracing is a special conservative traumatological management, that permits early remedial gymnastics. Light weight, optimal cosmetic results and quickly rehabilitation of the injured arm are favorable. Cooperation in gymnastics and controls within short times by the doctor are necessary. All our patients of ages under 45 years achieved nearly normal articular function, that increases 95% in comparison to the opposite arm. External rotation and abduction of the shoulder decreased in elder persons. Loss of function could not be avoided completely in critical cases (upper and lower part of the humeral shaft). Side effects were swelling, angulation deficiencies up to 16 degrees and skin lesions. The rate of pseudarthrosis seems very small. In advanced cases of malignomas pathologic fractures were treated by bracing palliatively. Open fractures, vascular damage, nerve palsy, fractures that cannot be controlled by non operative means and multiple injured patients should be treated by operation.