157 25-YEAR EXPERIENCE IN MANAGING DIAPHYSEAL HUMERAL FRACTURES USING THE SARMIENTO BRACE”

Abstract

We present the results of the use of a functional brace (Sarmiento) for the treatment of diaphyseal humeral fractures.

576 patients with humeral fractures (AO classification A1, 2, 3 and B1, 2) were treated in the period from 1984 to 2009. None of them had neurovascular damage.

Initially the patients were treated with a U-shape slab or a “Velpeau” bandage. After three weeks The Sarmiento brace was applied, provided that the reduction was acceptable (anterior angulation < 20°, varus deformity < 30°, shortening < 3cm)

RESULTS97.5% of the fractures examined united (562/576)

1. Duration of bone healing 8–11 weeks

2. Successfully used for treatment of compound fractures (Gustilo I)

3. The Sarmiento Brace is to be used only in patients who thin, ambulatory and with full range of movement of the shoulder joint.

4. The majority of the diaphyseal humeral fractures is successfully treated conservatively