Skeletal management of humeral shaft fractures associated with forearm fractures.

Nine cases of ipsilateral humeral shaft and forearm fractures in multiply injured patients were reviewed in an attempt to ascertain the preferred management of these complex injuries. Satisfactory anatomic and functional results were achieved only in those cases treated by rigid internal fixation of the humeral fractures. Nonoperative management is associated with a significant risk of malunion or nonunion of the humerus.