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Long-term follow-up of persistent humeral shaft non-unions treated with tricortical bone grafting and compression plating.

Three percent of all fractures occur in the humeral shaft. A very high union rate is achieved with nonoperative treatment. When non-unions occur, however, they are often very difficult to treat, and often require multiple procedures to achieve union. Even with multiple procedures, true pseudoarthroses have only a 59% union rate10. We conducted a retrospective study of ten patients having persistent non-union of the humeral shaft, three of whom had a true pseudoarthrosis. An patients were treated with a compression plate and a tricortical iliac crest bone graft anchored rigidly across the fracture site with two screws applied at 90 degrees to the plate. A solid union was achieved in all ten (100%) patients.

Adult↗

Contributing factors in non-union of the humeral shaft fracture and the results of treatments.

Out of 218 fractures of humeral shaft treated in the department, 23 (10.5%) of them developed non-union. 14/23 (60.9%) fracture were located in middle third. Transverse (52.2%), short oblique (17.4%) and comminuted fracture (13.0%) constituted about 82% of all initial fracture pattern. Twelve cases (52.5%) were initially treated with hanging cast. Radial nerve palsy occurred in 4/23 (17.4%) of patient and all of them located at lower third of humerus and only one recovered after eight weeks of injury. Factors such as middle third comminuted opened fractures, soft tissue interposition, improper immobilization and poor patient compliance were found to be directly associated with the non-union. All non-unions healed following plating and bone grafting. Overall 17/23 patient (74%) had good results, 4/23 (17%) fair and 2/23 (9%) with poor functional results.

Adult↗

Fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle in children.

A review of 50 children with fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle facilitated a simple classification of this injury and its management. The "apparent isolated" fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle is uncommon; it is more frequently associated with elbow dislocation, with or without spontaneous reduction, at the time of injury. Analysis of the results of treatment of medial humeral epicondylar fractures in this group of children showed that, in the case of those with an "apparent isolated" injury, treatment with a sling only gave good results in 90% whereas poorer results followed open treatment or fractures associated with dislocation. Closed treatment is therefore recommended. Open reduction is indicated only with (a) ulnar neuritis at the time of injury or (b) intra-articular fragment.

Adolescent↗

Aseptic nonunion of the humeral shaft.

A total of 78 cases of aseptic nonunion of the humeral shaft treated at the third division of the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute between 1980 and 1997 were evaluated. There was a mean time of 19 months between trauma and definitive treatment. Surgical treatment consisted in osteosynthesis with a plate and bone grafting in 75 cases, and synthesis with screwed bone grafting alone in 3 cases. Consolidation was obtained in 96% of cases. The bone graft used (homo- or autoplastic) encountered complete osteointegration in a maximum time of 8 months. Postoperative motility of the shoulder and elbow were comparable to the preoperative findings.

Adolescent↗

[Intramedullary fixation of humerus shaft fractures. An analysis of complications of 2 implants with special reference to outcome after management with the unreamed humerus interlocking nail].

INTRODUCTION: Operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures has gained a new impetus with the development of intramedullary interlocking systems for the humerus. Because of the anatomical structure of the humeral marrow cavity, a regular jamming of nail into bone is not to be expected, so that the stability of these systems needs to be achieved through an interlocking mechanism. Among the commercially available interlocking nailing systems the unreamed humeral nail (UHN) and the Seidel-nail (SHN) can be regarded as the standard implants. DESIGN: In a retrospective study comparing two groups of patients, each treated with one of the two systems, problems and advantages, as well as disadvantages were analyzed, and the complications inherent in the systems examined. PATIENTS: Between 1988-1992, 47 patients with humeral shaft fractures were treated with a Seidel interlocking nail: 25 acute and 18 pathological fractures as well as 4 non-unions (Group 1). Between 1997-1999, 34 patients with humeral shaft fractures were treated with the unreamed humeral nail (UHN). A total of thirty-five (n = 35) nailings (30 acute and 4 pathological fractures, as well as one re-osteosynthesis after emergence of a non-union) were carried out. Three primary palsies of the radial nerve ensued: two with loss of sensitivity, and one complete paralysis (Group 2). METHODS: Based on pre- and postoperative X-rays and follow-up examinations, the healing process and complications inherent in each of the systems were evaluated. RESULTS: Intra-operative complications of Seidel-nailing (Group 1) were seen in 5 cases: failure of the proximal target device in 2 (4.2%) cases; the breaking of the long screwdriver during the distal locking in 1 (2.1%) case; blockade of nail-insertion due to the spreading distal lamellas in 1 (2.1%) case; in 1 (2.1%) case it was impossible to find the imbus of the distal locking screw with the screwdriver. Incorrect surgical technique resulting in further fragmentation of the shaft required revisions in 2 (4.2%) cases. In 3 cases (6.4%), the insertion of the nail was insufficient, so that an impingement resulted. In 12 cases, postoperative complications after Seidel-nailing resulted: 3 (6.4%) radial nerve palsies, of which 2 (4.2%) were transitory; 3 (6.4%) infections; in 3 (6.4%) cases, loosening of the locking bolt inserted in the frontal plane; in 1 (2.1%) case, loosening of the distal spreading screw. The system failed in treating 2 (of 4) non-unions, whereas successful ossification and repair occurred in all acute fractures. In Group 2 (UHN) the acute fractures of 33 cases healed without complications. Intra-operative complications of the unreamed nail: in 2 cases (5.6%), failure of the target devices resulted in malpositoning of interlocking screws. The following intra-operative complications of the retrograde technique were observed: burst of a fragment at the insertion site in 1 case (2.8%); intra-articular positioning of the most proximal interlocking screw in another case (2.8%). Postoperative complications of the unreamed nail: breaking of a proximal and a distal interlocking screw in 1 case (2.8%), which had no influence on the healing progress. In 1 case (2.8%) both proximal interlocking screws came loose and a non-union ensued. After re-osteosynthesis with the same technique, bony repair was achieved. CONCLUSION: The possibilities of operative methods in treatment of humeral shaft fractures are enhanced by intramedullary interlocking systems. Comparing with the Seidel nail, the unreamed humeral nail (UHN) has two advantages: it can be inserted anterogradely as well as retrogradely, and it provides the possibility of compressing the fracture, resulting in a high rotational stability. Due to these results, the application of the UHN is recommended.

Adult↗

[Repair of humeral fracture and non-union with transfer of vascularized periosteal flap].

OBJECTIVE: To study the results of humeral fracture and non-union repaired by vascularized periosteal flap transfer. METHODS: The clinical data of humeral fracture and non-union in 23 cases were analysized retrospectively since 1995. Among them, minuted or several segmental fracture in 12 cases, non-union in 11 cases, and following injury of radial nerve in 7 cases. The operative method was open reduction, inner or external fixation with vascularized periosteal flap transfer. RESULTS: The period of follow-up was 6 months to 2 years. The repair result of all patients was excellent and good, but elbow joint motion in 2 cases of non-union was not satisfactory. The periosteal flap had good osteogenic ability. The period of bone union was 2 to 5 months in humeral fracture and non-union. And function of radial nerve was recovery. CONCLUSION: Transfer of distal humeral periosteal flap pedicled with radial collateral vessels is a better method for humeral fracture and non-union.

Adolescent↗

[Treatment of humeral shaft nonunion with interlocking nail and percutaneous injection of bone marrow].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of treatment of humeral shaft nonunion with interlocking nail and percutaneous injection of bone marrow after operation. METHODS: Twenty-five adult patients with humeral shaft nonunion, initially treated with plates, intramedullary nails, or external fixators changed to use RussellTaylor reamed antegrade intramedullary nails with autologous bone grafting and percutaneously bone marrow injection into the fracture sites ten days after the operation to promote union. RESULTS: All patients achieved a solid union with good function. The union period was a median of 4.5 months. CONCLUSION: We believe that the procedure may provide firm internal fixation and improve activity of osteoblasts in fracture sites for accelerating fracture healing.

Adolescent↗

Fractures of the humeral shaft: a retrospective study of 240 adult fractures.

Of 240 humeral fractures, 60 per cent occurred in patients under 35 years old, 39 per cent of fractures being in the middle third of the shaft, 28 per cent were open with an infection rate of 4 per cent. Radial nerve palsy was present in 18 per cent; midshaft fractures accounting for 69 per cent, with 60 per cent of radial nerves recovering spontaneously; 24 per cent after 12 weeks post injury. One hundred and eleven fractures had documentation greater than 3 months. Closed treatment in 100 patients resulted in 5 non-unions and 15 delayed unions; 11 primary internal fixations resulted in 3 non-unions and 2 delayed unions. Subsequent operative procedures reduced the total non-union rate to 5 per cent with 1 per cent delayed union and 4 per cent unknown. Fractures of the humeral shaft that have not begun to unite at 6 to 10 weeks probably will go on to non-union unless the treatment plan is changed. Closed methods of immobilization, other than the sling and swathe, should be used in chronic brain syndrome patients to avoid compounding their fractures. Sixty-three patients with 64 fractures were evaluated in follow-up using Cave's AEF system (92% excellent and satisfactory results) and a modification of Neer's protocol for proximal humeral fractures, (87% excellent and satisfactory results). A functional evaluation on the Cybex machine, (torque through range of motion) gave a useful graphic end result.

Adult↗

Internal fixation by bundle nailing in the elderly patient.

Between November 1992 and July 1999, a total of 27 fractures and 1 non-union, including 15 tibias, 8 femurs, and 5 humeri in geriatric patients were treated using Marchetti-Vicenzi bundle nail internal fixation. Reaming of the medullary canal was never used in any of the fractures, while it was used in the case of non-union. The results suggest that flexible intramedullary nailing provides adequate stability and is responsible for earlier weight-bearing, facilitating bone healing and early functional recovery in the elderly patient. Automatic distal locking allows for a reduction in the amount of time required for surgery.

Age Factors↗

[Experimental study and clinical application on osteogenesis of percutaneous autogenous bone marrow grafting in bone defects].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the osteogenesis of percutaneous autogenous bone marrow grafting in cicatricial bone defect, to seek a good method for treating fracture nonunion. METHODS: Eighteen rabbits were adopted in this study. 1 cm bone defect model was made in each side of radius, 6 weeks later, 2 ml autogenous bone marrow was injected in the right radial bone defect as experimental group, 2 ml autogenous peripheral blood in the left side as control group. X-ray features, histologic changes, Ca and P content in the site of bone defect were studied in various times. Also 15 patients were treated clinically for the nonunion fracture, the average time from nonunion to bone marrow grafting was 13 months. RESULTS: In experimental group, the increasing new bone tissue were observed in X-ray and histologic examination. While in control group, no osteogenesis was observed. Ca and P content of experimental group was higher than that of control group. For the 15 patients, 13 cases healed in 5-9 months, 2 cases failed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous autogenous bone marrow grafting is capable of osteogenesis in the cicatricial bone defects. It can be used in nonunion cases which are not fit for operation of bone grafting because of poor condition of the skin.

Adolescent↗

The sub-deltoid approach to the metaphyseal region of the humerus.

In a new surgical approach to the proximal part of the humerus, used in eighteen patients, the distal part of the tendon of the deltoid muscle was divided and the whole muscle was lifted up to give an excellent view of the proximal one-third of the diaphysis, the metaphysis, the surgical neck, and both tuberosities of the humerus. The exposure allowed visualization and protection of the axillary nerve. Postoperatively the deltoid remained functional and only the preoperative condition of the joint seemed to prevent full recovery of function of the muscles in a few patients.

Bone Neoplasms↗

The assessment and management of the stiff elbow.

Posttraumatic loss of elbow motion can cause substantial disability, limiting the ability to put one's hand in the volume of a sphere in space. Although a number of conditions can lead to loss of motion, a greater understanding of the functional anatomy of the elbow has led to advances in surgical management. Elbow stiffness has been classified in a number of ways, but the consistent feature is capsular contracture. Treatment of the stiff elbow begins with clinical evaluation of elbow stiffness and identification of indications for surgical intervention. Techniques of open and arthroscopic elbow contracture release are evolving. Assessment and management of elbow contracture associated with heterotopic ossification, and treatment of distal humerus nonunion should be done early to restore elbow motion.

Arthroscopy↗

Concomitant nonunion of the distal humerus and olecranon.

Concomitant nonunion of an operatively treated fracture of the distal humerus and the olecranon osteotomy used for exposure is an unusual and complex situation which compromises ulnohumeral function on both sides of the joint. Operative treatment restored good elbow function in a series of six patients with this problem. An average of 110 degrees of ulnohumeral motion was restored, arthrosis was none (four patients) or mild (two patients) at an average follow-up of 50 months, and outcome measures documented good upper extremity specific (DASH) and general (SF-36) health status.

Adult↗

Küntscher intramedullary reaming and nail fixation for nonunion of the humerus.

Thirteen cases of nonunion of the humerus were treated by intramedullary reaming and nail fixation. Rigid stabilization which was usual after operating upon other long bones was not always secured in these cases, and supplementary plaster immobilization was necessary. Seven fractures healed and 3 fractures required re-nailing before healing. Three fractures did not heal in spite of reoperation, but in 2 of these cases the nail provided stability and controlled pain and motion at fracture site. Nonunion of the humerus is a difficult problem, irrespective of the method of treatment.

Adult↗

[Aseptic non-union of humeral shaft fractures treated by plating and bone grafting].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Although aseptic non-union of humeral shaft fractures is generally considered to be an exceptional complication, rates in the literature have varied from 1 to 10%. Factors favoring non-union are often related to technical error or inappropriate therapeutic indication. Several types of treatment (orthopedic, locked centromedullary nailing, ascending pinning, plating, external fixation) can be proposed for humeral shaft fractures. In all cases, a precise technique and proper indication are essential for success. We reviewed the cases of 30 patients who underwent surgery for aseptic non-union of humeral shaft fractures between 1995 and 2000. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mean patient age was 43 years. Oblique and transverse fractures of the middle third of the shaft predominated. All types of treatment had been used but most of the patients had had ascending pinning. All patients were treated with plate fixatin and a cancellous bone graft after identifying the radial nerve. RESULTS: Bone healing was achieved in all patients. Mean delay to healing was 16 weeks with good motion of the shoulder (mean elevation 136 degrees ) and elbow (mean motion 10-130 degrees ). Transient radial paresia recovered spontaneously in two patients. There was one infection. Only two patients complained of a painful arm that was not bothersome for daily activities and did not require long-term analgesia. There were no cases of radial nerve injury. Elbow function improved in 16 patients, was unchanged in 11, and showed limited extension in 3. Shoulder function improved in 15 patients and was unchanged in 15. DISCUSSION: Plate fixation is widely described in the literature for the treatment of humeral non-union. The main complications of this treatment are radial palsy and infection, reported in 5% of the series. Several recent reports have therefore advocated locked nailing or external fixation with an Ilizarov device but these techniques are difficult to use and have their own risks of complications. It is difficult to block rotation and the nail may injure the rotator cuff. Pin tract infection, nerve injury, and prolonged external fixation are other disadvantages. We therefore recommend screw plate fixation with a cancellous bone graft. Our good results combined with the very low rate of complications argue in favor of this therapeutic option.

Accidental Falls↗