INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the humeral shaft are relatively common injuries and the majority achieve union uneventfully; however, non-union rates of up to 13% are reported when managed either conservatively or operatively. Despite the many surgical techniques described for the management of non-unions, including plate fixation, intramedullary nailing or external fixation, some cases remain resistant to treatment with ongoing problems achieving union. METHOD: We describe a technique using the Stryker T2 humeral nail which incorporates a compression system allowing closure of the non-union fracture gap. Twelve patients underwent compression nailing for established humeral fracture non-union. All achieved radiological union at an average of 4.5 months (range 3-12 months). RESULTS: All patients reported a return to their normal pre-injury level of activities. CONCLUSION: We conclude that this technique of intramedullary nailing with a novel compression technique is effective in the treatment of humeral shaft fracture non-union.
INTRODUCTION:Fractures of the humeral shaft are relatively common injuries and the majority achieve union uneventfully; however, non-union rates of up to 13% are reported when managed either conservatively or operatively. Despite the many surgical techniques described for the management of non-unions, including plate fixation, intramedullary nailing or external fixation, some cases remain resistant to treatment with ongoing problems achieving union. METHOD: We describe a technique using the Stryker T2 humeral nail which incorporates a compression system allowing closure of the non-union fracture gap. Twelve patients underwent compression nailing for established humeral fracture non-union. All achieved radiological union at an average of 4.5 months (range 3-12 months). RESULTS: All patients reported a return to their normal pre-injury level of activities. CONCLUSION: We conclude that this technique of intramedullary nailing with a novel compression technique is effective in the treatment of humeral shaft fracture non-union.