Retrograde Ender nailing for humerus shaft fractures.

Humerus fractures are common; their management remains controversial. Infection, neurovascular injury, joint problems and non-union are recognised complications of surgical treatment. These complications can be decreased by opting for a surgical treatment that is less invasive and safe. We present a series of 59 patients treated with retrograde Ender nailing; 56 healed in an average of 9.1 weeks, 2 had delayed union (> 15 weeks) and one went on to non-union, which healed after secondary plate fixation. Nail back out occurred in 8 cases, of which only 3 required nails repositioning. The mean Constant score at final follow-up (mean 19 months) was 91; it was significantly lower in patients over 50 years of age and in those with segmental fractures. In this series, Ender retrograde nailing gave overall satisfactory results and appeared as a safe and efficient technique.