Background: To define the efficacy of dynamic compression plates (DCPs) for the treatment of closed humeral shaft fractures.
Methods: A total of 165 patients with closed humeral shaft fractures were studied retrospectively. There were 120 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with DCPs and no bone grafting (BG). Forty-five patients received the same procedures with BG. The mean follow-up period was 93 months.
Results: In the DCP without BG group, the average blood loss was 350 ml, operation time was 105 minutes, hospital stay was 8.5 days and fracture union time was 13.5 weeks. In the DCP with BG group, the average blood loss was 525 ml, operation time was 115 minutes, hospital stay was 7.9 days and fracture union time was 9.2 weeks.
Conclusions: In our experience, DCPs are effective for surgical fixation of humeral shaft fractures. Prophylactic BG is recommended for cases with more comminution.