Hackethal nailing in closed transverse humeral shaft fractures after failed manipulation.

A study has been carried out of retrograde intramedullary fixation with flexible Hackethal nails for closed transverse fractures through the middle third of the humerus. Thirty fractures were treated during a period of 12 years. The average age of the patients was 45 years. After operation, a brace was used for an average of 4 1/2 months. Union occurred at an average of 10 weeks with one case of delayed union. There were no infections or nerve palsies. Hackethal nailing is effective for this type of fracture when manipulative reduction has failed.