Indications for operative treatment for humeral shaft fractures include angulation of more than 15degrees inability to maintain reduction with functional bracing, poly trauma, multiple long bone fractures, spinal cord injury, pathological fractures, floating elbow , floating shoulder, neuro-vascular injuries, and segmental fractures. Methods of fixation include compression plating, flexible nailing and interlocking nailing. External fixation also used in certain cases.
Bibliography:
Humeral shaft fractures and Radial nerve Palsy; Am J Orthop.2008;37(8):415-419