Humeral shaft fractures treated with a ready-made fracture brace.

Twenty patients, 17 to 87 years of age, were treated with a dynamic brace for fractures of the humerus. The brace acts by compressing the soft tissues surrounding the fractured bone while the dependent arm of the ambulatory patient helps to pull the displaced bone fragments into normal relationship. As soon as the initial swelling and pain subsides the brace can be applied, usually within the first week. The brace permits early exercise of all the joints; it gives good comfort to the patient. There were two nonunions. Eighteen fractures healed with good anatomical and functional outcome.