Complex fractures of the humeral shaft treated with antegrade locked intramedullary nail: clinical experience and long-term results.

Background: indications for surgical treatment of complex humeral shaft fractures are still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of treating humeral shaft fractures using antegrade locked  intramedullary nail, compared to the treatment with traditional more aggressive techniques such as plate and screws.

Methods: between February 2008 and January 2011 38 patients were treated with antegrade locked intramedullary nail for humeral shaft fractures, divided according to the AO classification.