Evaluation of Non-Surgical Conservative Management of Humerus Fractures: An Innovative Approach

Background: Humerus fractures are a common orthopaedic injury that can lead to significant morbidity and disability if not managed appropriately. In low-resource settings like secondary-level hospitals in Bangladesh, surgical interventions may not always be feasible due to limited resources and infrastructure. Therefore, the exploration of conservative management approaches becomes crucial to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the outcomes of conservative management in humerus fractures at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rajshahi Medical College Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment methods and their impact on pain reduction, functional improvement, and overall patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 74 cases of humerus fractures treated conservatively at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rajshahi Medical College Rajshahi, Bangladesh. From October 2022 to June 2023. morphologically as simple (28), intermediate (17), and complex (29) based on the Garnavos classification. Outcome measures included pain levels, range of motion, radiographic assessments, and patient-reported satisfaction scores. Results: A total of 74 patients (60 males and 14 females) underwent extension casting treatment for humeral fractures. The patient's age ranged from 19 to 70 years (mean age: 45.5 years). The majority of patients (58) received treatment on the day of the injury, while 16 experienced delayed treatment. The fractures were classified topographically as P (13), M (25), D (17), PM (10), and MD (9). The average duration of full-length casting was 5 weeks, with conversion to above-elbow casts when necessary. All fractures showed union within 8 to 18 weeks, with an average union time of 10 weeks. Radiographic assessments showed satisfactory fracture healing in 90% of patients. Patient satisfaction scores indicated a high level of contentment with conservative treatment. Conclusion: This study highlights the efficacy and feasibility of conservative management in the treatment of humerus fractures. The findings suggest that conservative approaches can be a viable and effective alternative in resource-constrained healthcare settings, providing satisfactory pain relief, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction.