Effect of immediate weightbearing on plated fractures of the humeral shaft

Background: This study evaluated the effect of immediate weightbearing on f ractures of the humeral shaft treated with dynamic compression plates. Methods: Eighty-three fractures met the inclusion criteria. The weightbeari ng status of the humerus was based on associated injuries and not the fract ure pattern. There were no differences between the weightbearing and nonwei ghtbearing groups in patient or fracture demographics. Results: Ninety-four percent of the fractures healed after the initial oper ation. Two in the nonweightbearing group and three in the weighthearing gro up required a second operation to achieve union. Alignment did not differ b etween the two groups. Immediate full weightbearing had no effect on the un ion or malunion rate. Conclusion: When indicated, open reduction and internal fixation of the dia physis of the humerus, followed by immediate weighthearing through the invo lved humerus, is a safe and efficacious procedure.