Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38807217›Full record

ArticleJournal of orthopaedic surgery and research2024

The outcome of nonoperative treatment for adult humeral shaft fractures using a U-shaped slab in resource-limited settings: a prospective cohort study.

Alexis Nshimiyimana, Jean de la Croix Allen Ingabire, Jean Claude Byiringiro, Basile Habumugisha, Jean Luc Mwizerwa

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Outcomes of intramedullary nailing versus plate fixation for humeral shaft fractures: a retrospective cohort study.European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie · 2025
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Alexis NshimiyimanaCollege of Medicine and Health Science, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Jean de la Croix Allen IngabireCollege of Medicine and Health Science, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Jean Claude ByiringiroCollege of Medicine and Health Science, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Basile HabumugishaOrthopedic Department, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.
Jean Luc MwizerwaCollege of Medicine and Health Science, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda. jeanlucmwizerwa@gmail.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHumeral shaft fractures, constituting 3-5% of musculoskeletal injuries, are commonly managed conservatively using functional braces. However, this approach may not be feasible in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of nonoperative treatment for humeral shaft fractures in adults utilizing a U-shaped slab.

methodsThis prospective study was conducted from August 2021 to August 2022 involving 16-year-old and older individuals who received nonsurgical treatment for humeral shaft fractures at public tertiary hospitals in Rwanda. The assessment focused on various functional outcomes, including alignment, union rate, range of motion, return to activities of daily living, and DASH score.

resultsThe study included 73 participants, predominantly males (73.9%), with a median age of 33 years. The union rate was high at 89.04%, and 10.96% experienced delayed union. Radial nerve palsy occurred in 4.11% of patients, but all the patients fully recovered within three months. Despite angular deformities during healing in the majority of participants, these deformities did not significantly impact functional outcomes. According to the international classification of disabilities, 77% of participants achieved a good functional grade.

conclusionThe conservative U-shaped slab method was effective at managing humeral shaft fractures. However, optimal results necessitate careful participant selection and comprehensive rehabilitation education. Implementing these measures can improve the overall success of nonoperative management.

Indexed as

Humeral FracturesActivities of Daily LivingAdolescentAdultCohort StudiesConservative TreatmentFemaleFracture HealingHealth ResourcesHumansMaleMiddle AgedProspective StudiesRange of Motion, ArticularRecovery of FunctionResource-Limited SettingsFunctional outcomeHumeral shaft fracturesNonoperative managementRehabilitationU-shaped slab

Identifiers

PMID38807217
PMCPMC11131327

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.