Operative Plate Fixation Versus Conservative Treatment for Acute, Displaced Fractures of Humeral Shaft

Inclusion Criteria: Men or women aged 18 to 65 years of age Completely displaced ,closed fracture of humeral shaft confirmed by radiograph Fractures within 1 month post injury Provision of informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Pathological fractures Non-displaced (cortical contact) fractures Open fractures Presence of vascular or nerve injury Fractures more than 1 month post-injury Limited life expectancy due to significant medical co-morbidity Medical contraindication to surgery Inability to comply with rehabilitation or form completion Likely problems, in the judgement of the investigators, with maintaining follow-up (i.e. patients with no fixed address, patients not mentally competent to give consent, etc.)