Operative treatment of torsional humeral shaft fractures in throwers leads to an earlier return to sport: a survey of expert shoulder and elbow surgeons

ConclusionTorsional humeral shaft fractures in throwers are most commonly seen in young men and can be treated both operatively and non-operatively with overall similar results for healing time, rate of non-union, and return to sport. The only significant difference in the groups was an earlier return to sports in those fixed surgically, however, operative intervention also yielded a higher complication rate. Regardless of the treatment method, the overall rate of return to play was moderate. These finding are clinically relevant and can assist physicians with decision making for treatment and can help when advising throwers of appropriate expectations for recovery after this injury.Level of evidenceIV.
Source: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research