Retrograde interlocking nailing in diaphyseal fractures of humerus

Background : Retrograde interlocking nailing for humeral fracture is technically difficult but has advantage of sparing the involvement of rotator cuff and subacromial bursa. Methods : A total number of 12 cases (9 closed, 3 compound - Grade I and II), having diaphyseal fractures of upper (3 cases) and middle third (9 cases ) of humures were treated by retrograde interlocking nailing. Out of 12 cases, 11 were fresh and 1 was old fractures. Cases were followed up for 3 year. Results : Excellent results were seen in 8, good in 3 and fair in one case ( delayed union). One case developed elbow stiffness, whereas none developed shoulder stiffness. Conclusions : Apart from the overall advantages of conventional locked nailing technique, retrograde locked nailing has additional advantage of sparing the rotator cuff and subacromial bursa, thus prerserving the shoulder functions.