A A Martínez1, M Malillos, J Cuenca, A Herrera. 1. Service of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, Miguel-Servet university hospital, C/Princesa, 11-13, 1 C, Zaragoza 50005, Spain. anmarti@wanadoo.es
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyse the results of Marchetti nailing. METHOD: Between 1995 and 2003, 143 patients with closed fresh humeral shaft fractures were treated with the Marchetti-Vicenzi nail. The fractures were classified according to the AO classification: 37 A1, 24 A2, 25 A3, 22 B1, 15 B2, 7 B3, 7 C1, 4 C2 and 2 C3. RESULTS: Fracture healing was obtained in 136 cases. The mean healing time was 11 weeks. There were seven non-unions. The range of motion of the shoulder was excellent in 95 patients (66.4%), moderate in 43 (30%) and poor in five (4.2%). The elbow had an excellent range of motion in 89 patients (62.2%), moderate in 48 (33.5%) and poor in six (4.2%). The functional result was excellent in 56 patients (39.1%), good in 62 (43.3%), fair in 18 (12.6%) and poor in seven (4.9%). CONCLUSION: Marchetti-Vicenzi nailing appears to be a good method for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. It is technically easy and its results are satisfactory.
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyse the results of Marchetti nailing. METHOD: Between 1995 and 2003, 143 patients with closed fresh humeral shaft fractures were treated with the Marchetti-Vicenzi nail. The fractures were classified according to the AO classification: 37 A1, 24 A2, 25 A3, 22 B1, 15 B2, 7 B3, 7 C1, 4 C2 and 2 C3. RESULTS:Fracture healing was obtained in 136 cases. The mean healing time was 11 weeks. There were seven non-unions. The range of motion of the shoulder was excellent in 95 patients (66.4%), moderate in 43 (30%) and poor in five (4.2%). The elbow had an excellent range of motion in 89 patients (62.2%), moderate in 48 (33.5%) and poor in six (4.2%). The functional result was excellent in 56 patients (39.1%), good in 62 (43.3%), fair in 18 (12.6%) and poor in seven (4.9%). CONCLUSION: Marchetti-Vicenzi nailing appears to be a good method for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. It is technically easy and its results are satisfactory.