Update on humeral shaft fractures

Humeral shaft fractures are relatively common, representing up to 5% of all fractures. Conservative management is the treatment of choice for most humeral shaft fractures and offers good functional and union outcomes. Age and oblique fractures of the proximal third are two risk factors for non-union. Surgical indication threshold should be lower for patients with these factors. Functional outcomes and union rates after plating and intramedullary nailing are comparable, but the likelihood of shoulder complications is higher with intramedullary nailing. Finally, there is no advantage to early exploration of the radial nerve even in case of secondary radial nerve palsy.