Clinical outcomes of humeral shaft fractures managed with intramedullary K-wires: A closed reduction approach

BACKGROUND Humeral shaft fractures are common and vary by age, with high-energy trauma observed in younger adults and low-impact injuries in older adults. Radial nerve palsy is a frequent complication. Treatment ranges from nonoperative methods to surgical interventions such as intramedullary K-wires, which promote faster rehabilitation and improved elbow mobility. AIM To evaluate the outcomes of managing humeral shaft fractures using closed reduction and internal fixation with flexible intramedullary K-wires. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing the medical records of patients with humeral shaft fractures managed with flexible intramedullary K-wires at King Abdulaziz Medical City, using non-random sampling and descriptive analysis for outcome evaluation. RESULTS This study assessed the clinical outcomes of 20 patients treated for humeral shaft fractures with intramedullary K-wires. Patients were predominantly male (n = 16, 80%), had an average age of 39.2 years, and a mean body mass index of 29.5 kg/m2. The fractures most frequently occurred in the middle third of the humerus (n = 14, 70%), with oblique fractures being the most common type (n = 7, 35%). All surgeries used general anesthesia and a posterior approach, with no intraoperative complications reported. Postoperatively, all patients achieved clinical and radiological union (n = 20, 100%), and the majority (n = 13, 65%) reached an elbow range of motion from 0 to 150 degrees. CONCLUSION These results suggest that intramedullary K-wire fixation may be an effective option for treating humeral shaft fractures, with favorable outcomes in range of motion recovery, fracture union, and a low rate of intraoperative complications.