Humeral Nonunion Research Articles

Factors associated with failure of humerus nonunion surgery in patients with initial nonoperative management.

To describe operative results after humerus nonunion surgery in patients whose initial humerus shaft fracture (OTA/AO code 12) was treated nonoperatively and to identify risk factors of nonunion surgery failure in the same population. Case series. Nine academic level 1 trauma centers. One hundred twenty patients with humerus nonunion whose initial fracture was treated nonoperatively. Operative treatment of humerus nonunions. Rate of recalcitrant nonunion after humerus nonunion surgery. Of 108 humerus nonunions, 26 (24.07%) failed to unite after nonunion surgery. Moreover, 34 patients (31.48%) experienced 1 or more postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis found that the use of bone graft or bone graft substitute was not associated with successful nonunion surgery (95% odds ratio confidence interval [CI] [0.67-5.3], P = 0.23). Tobacco use was associated with an increased risk of persistent nonunion (P = 0.0041). Postoperative complications (P = 0.0001) were also associated with an increased risk of persistent nonunion. Diabetes and open fracture were not associated with differences in the nonunion repair success rate. As the largest and most generalizable to date, this multicenter study found that nearly 1 in 4 patients with a humeral nonunion after initial nonoperative management failed their nonunion surgical treatment. While postoperative complications were associated with recalcitrant nonunion, surgical adjuncts such as bone grafting and type did not seem to influence the success rate of nonunion surgery. Smoking is a modifiable risk factor suggesting that smoking cessation should be part of the intervention. These findings can be used to give patients and surgeons a realistic expectation of results and complications after humerus nonunion surgery. Therapeutic level III.

Echoes of Unwoven Breaks: A Paleopathological Literature Review of Nonunion Fractures

ABSTRACTThis study presents a wide literature review of nonunion fractures in paleopathological contexts, including the description of a new case from Idanha‐a‐Velha (Castelo Branco, Portugal). Nonunion factures, characterized by the failure of broken bone fragments to reunite properly, are rare in the paleopathological record. This review aims to gather and analyze existing cases of this condition, using academic databases and specific research terms related to this type of fracture. This survey included a total of 75 publications describing 155 nonunion fractures in 137 adult individuals: 44 males, 28 females, and 65 of unknown sex. The publication record includes more Prehistoric and Modern cases than those dated from Medieval or Ancient periods. The ulna exhibited the highest overall frequency of nonunion fractures, with 53/155 (34.2%) distributed across six different anatomical regions, primarily at the distal end (Parry fracture). However, when assessing the frequency of nonunions by specific anatomic region, the femoral neck shows a higher rate (23/30; 76.7%) compared to the ulnar distal end (6/53; 11.32%). Male individuals display a higher prevalence of nonunion fractures throughout the skeleton, except for the clavicle, metatarsals, os coxae, and ulna, which affected more often females. Moreover, femoral neck nonunion fractures are more frequent in mid‐20th century male paleopathological cases, while ulnar fractures are more common in prehistoric females. The comparison between these patterns and clinical data highlights that past and current populations have different patterns of nonunion fractures. In the modern clinical literature, a greater prevalence of tibial, fibular, femoral, and humeral nonunions is recorded due to traffic accidents; while in past populations, ulnar nonunion fractures are substantially more frequent. Further studies comparing fracture patterns across different time periods may allow to clarify whether these trends reflect changes in medical treatment, lifestyle, or bone health over time.

Masquelet technique including a multiperforated non-vascularized fibula graft for the reconstruction of massive post-traumatic bone defects in military practice.

The management of extensive bone defects presents a significant challenge for military orthopedic surgeons, especially in the context of a high intensity conflict or when patients are fully treated in the field. The objective was to evaluate the induced membrane technique (IMT) including a multiperforated non-vascularized fibular graft (NVFG) for the reconstruction of massive bone defects performed in both the ideal conditions of military trauma centers and the austere environment of forward surgical units. A retrospective case study was conducted on patients who underwent the above procedure in various care settings between January 2019 and June 2023. Outcomes measured included the achievement of bone union, time to bone union, and the healing index (time to bone healing/length of reconstructed bone). Functional assessment was based on the Quick-DASH score and the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS). Nine patients with a mean age of 37 years were included: five were managed in a role 4 medical treatment facility (MTF) and four in a role 2 MTF. Five patients had an infected bone defect before IMT application. After debridement, the mean bone defect length was 14cm, and the mean bone defect volume was 190 cm3. The mean interval between stages was 15 weeks. The mean follow-up was 20 months. Bone union was achieved in 8/9 cases with a mean time of 8.1 months and a mean healing index of 0.58 month/cm. Only the patient with persistent humeral nonunion had a poor DASH-score. The mean LEFS was 68%. In this small cohort, IMT including a multiperforated NVFG enabled successful reconstruction of massive bone defects in the femur, tibia, and humerus, even in the austere environment of forward surgical units, provided that prior infection control had been achieved.

Factors Associated With Episode of Care Adverse Events After Humerus Nonunion Repair.

Humeral nonunions have devastating negative effects on patients' upper extremity function and health-related quality of life. The objective of this study was to identify factors independently associated with 30-day complication, hospital readmission, and reoperation after surgical treatment of humeral nonunions. A retrospective case-control study was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database by querying the Current Procedural Terminology codes for patients who underwent humeral nonunion repair from 2011 to 2020. The study outcomes were 30-day complication, hospital readmission, and reoperation. Of the 1306 patients in our cohort, 135 patients (10%) developed a complication, 66 patients (5%) were readmitted to the hospital, and 44 patients (3%) underwent reoperation during the 30-day postoperative period. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that older age, longer operative time, partially dependent functional status, congestive heart failure, bleeding disorder, and contaminated wound classification were associated with 30-day complication after humeral nonunion repair. Older age and disseminated cancer were associated with 30-day reoperation after humeral nonunion repair. Disseminated cancer was associated with 30-day readmission after humeral nonunion repair. Using a large database over a recent 10-year period, we identified demographic and comorbid factors independently associated with episode of care adverse events after humeral nonunion repair. Patients 50 years or older had approximately three times the incidence of complications, readmissions, and reoperations in the first month after humeral nonunion repair compared with patients younger than 50 years. Our findings are relevant for preoperative risk stratification and counseling. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(4):e181-e187.].

Comparison of the treatment results of humerus diaphysis post-traumatic false joints using vascularized bone grafts with and without a monitor skin flap: Retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: The use of the microvascular flap in reconstructive surgery of complicated nonunions of the diaphysis of the humerus is highly valuable. Flaps with compromised blood supply are possible in up to 10% of cases and often lead to the failure of vascularized reconstruction. The combined skin + bone graft is a simple, useful, and reliable option for flap vitality control with a high success rate.
 OBJECTIVE: To compare microvascular grafting with versus without monitoring the skin flap.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one microvascular grafting was performed from 2010 to 2017 in patients with humeral non-union and bone defects in the Department of Microsurgery and Trauma of the Hand of Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics. A combined skin bone flap was used in 23 (56%) patients, and in 18 (44%) patients, grafting was performed without monitoring the skin flap Computed tomography and X-ray imaging were used to monitor non-union healing. The use of a signal skin flap is an effective way to control blood flow in the graft and improves treatment results.
 RESULTS: In the group without monitoring of the skin flap, non-union healing was documented in 14 (77%) cases. In the group with monitoring of the skin flap, nonunion healing occurred in 22 (96%) cases.
 CONCLUSION: Monitoring the skin flap is an effective option to ensure microvascular flap blood supply control and improves the outcomes in humeral nonunion healing.

Augmentation plates and bone grafting for treatment of nonunited long bones fractures fixed by intramedullary nails

Abstract Background A delayed union was defined as when the fracture fails to unite within the expected time. Delayed union becomes nonunion when the fracture healing stops (at least 6 months). Intramedullary nailing has proven to be a good treatment option in the management of long bones fracture. The aim of this study is to obtain union in nonunited long bones fractures fixed previously by intramedullary nails by using of augmentation plating and bone grafting to obtain the best outcome. Patients and methods The study included 18 patients of nonunited long bones fractures fixed previously by intramedullary nails treated with augmentation plating and bone grafting with maintaining the nail in situ. Full history, clinical and radiological examination were performed. All subjects gave their informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study. Eight cases with femoral fracture nonunion were performed through the lateral approach of the femur. Seven cases of tibial fracture nonunion were performed through the anterior approach of the tibia, Three cases of humeral nonunion was performed using the posterior approach of the humerus. In the postoperatively follow-up, function was assessed using Dash score and Lower extremity functional score. Results There was an excellent improvement for bone union occurred to 94.4% of studied patients. Furthermore lower extremities function percent ranged between 92.5-100 with mean±SD 98.1 ± 2.56, and humerus Dash score ranged between 4.16-6.66 with mean±SD 5.41 ± 1.77. There was statistically insignificant difference between the period of nonunion bone per months and fracture bone criteria of studied patients P>0.05. Also, there is statistically insignificant difference between lower extremities function score percent after implant procedure and fracture bone criteria of studied patients P > 0.05. Conclusion Augmentation plating is an excellent solution for the management of nonunited nailed long bones fractures with maintaining the nail in situ, especially with instability at nonunion site and comminution or gap nonunion.

Intra-Observational and Inter-Observer Agreement of The Radiographic Humerus Union Measurement (RHUM) in Patients Treated with Dynamic Compression Plate for Humeral Shaft Nonunion.

It is important for orthopedic surgeons to follow the union of the fracture after surgery. This becomes even more important after nonunion surgery. The radiological union scale is popular in the follow-up of unions. However, the intraobserver and interobserver agreement of this scale in humeral nonunion surgery is still not found in the literature. This study aimed to reveal the intra/interobserver agreement of the Radiographic Union scale (RHUM) for the humerus as well as the relationship between this agreement, plate placement characteristics, and the number of plates in cases where plates were used for surgical treatment of humeral diaphysis nonunion. Twenty patients who received surgical treatment for aseptic humeral nonunion at our hospital between 2010-2019 were studied retrospectively. According to RHUM, two observers scored the patients' anteroposterior and lateral radiographs in the postoperative 12th week. The data obtained were statistically analyzed. The mean age was 52.05±15.88 years. While a single plate was used in 14 cases, a double plate was used in 6 cases. Interobserver agreement was fair-moderate. The interobserver agreement values of the single plate group were significantly higher than those of the double plate group (p<0.05). Interobserver agreement in cases with a lateral plate was significantly higher than in the group where the lateral + posterior plate was applied (p:0.01). In humeral diaphyseal fracture nonunion cases, the number and location of the plate following surgery negatively impact the evaluation of RHUM scores. Given the importance of the union's follow-up and the decision to proceed with additional treatment in these cases, it may be necessary to develop a new method for determining and monitoring the union if a plate was used in the surgical treatment of humeral nonunion.

Léčení refrakterního pakloubu humeru s použitím autologního kostního štěpu z hřebene kosti kyčelní a spongioplastiky: retrospektivní studie

Léčení refrakterního pakloubu humeru s použitím autologního kostního štěpu z hřebene kosti kyčelní a spongioplastiky: retrospektivní studie

Nine-year-long complex humeral nonunion salvaged by distraction osteogenesis technique: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundHumeral nonunion with significant bone loss or shortening is uncommon and poses a complex clinical problem. We present a case of humeral nonunion with a large segmental bone defect treated with the distraction osteogenesis technique and remedy the radial nerve palsy produced during distraction osteogenesis by forearm tendon transfers. The reconstruction of upper limb function was achieved with satisfactory results. This case provides a referenceable alternative method for repairing large segmental bone defects due to complex nonunion of the upper extremity, as well as a remedy in the unfortunate event of radial nerve palsy, providing a reference and lessons learned for the treatment of similar cases and the management of possible complications.Case presentationA 31-year-old male patient experienced 9 years of hypertrophic nonunion due to an unreliable internal fixation. The radiographs showed the absence of bone bridging between the two fragments, loosening of the screws, and extensive osteolysis around the internal screws. The patient was treated with distraction osteogenesis. At the end of the distraction period, the patient unfortunately developed right radial nerve paresis, which was salvaged by forearm tendon transplantation, and finally reconstructed hand function and achieved bone union of the humerus.ConclusionDistraction osteogenesis, although not a panacea for all humeral nonunions with significant segmental bone loss, does offer a viable salvage procedure in this unusual and often complex clinical problem. When irreversible radial nerve palsy occurs during distraction, forearm tendon transfers can have a good clinical effect.

Assessing the hospital volume-outcome relationship in total elbow arthroplasty.

Assessing the hospital volume-outcome relationship in total elbow arthroplasty.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Using Double Plating with Biological and Artificial Bone Grafting of Aseptic Non-unions of the Distal Humerus: Clinical Results.

AimIntra-articular non-union of fractures is an uncommon but complex problem because in general, it is characterised by marked instability, pain, strength loss and significant functional limitation. The aim of this study is to report our prospective medium-term outcomes of the treatment of intra-articular, distal humeral aseptic non-unions using open reduction and internal fixation, augmented with artificial bone.Materials and methodsA retrospective case series of 16 patients with intra-articular, aseptic non-unions of the distal humerus was analysed for range of motion, pain, Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPS) and Oxford Elbow Scores (OES) after 12 months. Mean age was 44 years (range, 18–84 years) and mean total follow-up was 43 months (range, 24–62 months).ResultsAll subjective and objective scores were significantly higher 12 months after treatment with internal fixation and artificial bone augmentation; the mean improvement on the MEPS was 18 points and 17 points on the OES. All patients returned to work, most without limitations. Autografts had worse outcomes compared to allografts regarding post-operative pain and time to return to work. No adverse events related to the artificial bone augmentation were seen and all fractures consolidated.ConclusionThe use of two locking plates and bone graft augmentation with autografts or allografts with artificial bone grafts is a successful treatment of intra-articular distal humeral non-unions after hardware failure or biological limitations.Clinical significanceThe use of artificial bone in the treatment of septic non-unions of the upper limb is safe. When no autograft is possible because of concurrent morbidity, it can be used alone or combined with an allograft to reconstruct the affected bone without leading to extra morbidity or complications.How to cite this articleRollo G, Vicenti G, Rotini R, et al. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Using Double Plating with Biological and Artificial Bone Grafting of Aseptic Non-unions of the Distal Humerus: Clinical Results. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2021;16(3):144–151.

Distal 3rd Diaphysial Fracture of Humerus Fixed with Dynamic Compression Plate Using Posterior Approach- The Assessment of the Outcome

Objectives: The effectiveness of open reduction and Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) fixation with or without autogenous bone grafting using the posterior midline approach in the treatment of distal third diaphyseal humeral fractures was assessed.&#x0D; Methods: For humeral nonunion, comminuted fractures, or early failure of conservative therapies, 33 patients (24 men, 9 women; mean age 37 years; range 20 to 60 years) were operated on. The study was carried out at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka from July 2005 to December 2006.&#x0D; Results: After an average of 17 weeks, all of the patients had union (range 14 to 26 weeks).There was no deep infection, nonunion, malunion, implant failure, or nerve injury in any of the patients. In two cases, transient radial nerve palsy occurred. Minor infections were seen in four of the individuals. All of the patients were pain-free after surgery.The functional outcome was outstanding in all instances and good in 16 patients, yielding 87 % satisfying results. Functional outcomes increased considerably postoperatively compared to preoperatively (p&lt;0.001). In 20 individuals, the range of motion of the shoulders was great. The range of motion at the elbow was considerable in 21 patients and moderate in seven others. More than three-quarters of the patients (75.8%) experienced no problems. Four patients (12.1%) were infected, and two patients (6.1%) developed iatrogenic radial nerve palsy as a result of the surgery. One patient (3%) had a loose screw, while another (3%) needed blood transfusions owing to extensive bleeding at the donor graft site.&#x0D; Conclusion: In distal third humeral fractures, open reduction and posterior DCP fixing, with or without autogenous bone grafting, is a safe and effective treatment option, especially when there is no infection or bony or neurovascular damage. Very few study conducted on distal 3rd diaphysial fracture of humerus fixed with DCP using posterior approach, therefore this study conducted to know the assessment of the outcome.

The standardized exploration of the radial nerve during humeral shaft fixation reduces the incidence of iatrogenic palsy.

The purpose of this study is to determine if a standardized protocol for radial nerve handling during humeral shaft repair reduces the incidence of iatrogenic nerve palsy post operatively. Seventy-three patients were identified who underwent acute or reconstructive humeral shaft repair with radial nerve exploration as part of the primary procedure for either humeral shaft fracture or nonunion. All patients exhibited intact radial nerve function pre-operatively. A retrospective chart review and analysis identified patients who developed a secondary radial nerve palsy post-operatively. In each case, the radial nerve was identified and mobilized for protection, regardless of whether the implant necessitated the extensile exposure. Fractures were classified according to AO/OTA guidelines and included 23 Type 12A, 11 Type 12B, and 3 Type 12C. Eight patients had periprosthetic fractures and 28 fractures could not be classified. All patients in the cohort were fixed with locking plates. Surgery was indicated for 36 patients with humeral nonunions and 37 patients with acute humeral shaft fractures. Of the 73 patients, 2 (2.7%) developed radial nerve palsy following surgery, one from the posterior approach and one from the anterolateral approach. Both patients exhibited complete recovery of radial nerve function by 6-month follow-up. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in any demographic or surgical details between those with and without radial nerve injury. Nerve exploration identification and protection leads to a low incidence of transient radial nerve palsy compared to the rate reported in the current literature (2.7% compared to 6-24%). Thus, radial nerve exploration and mobilization should be considered when approaching the humeral shaft for acute fracture and nonunion repairs. Level III.

InSafeLOCK® humeral nailing for humeral nonunions: Clinical and radiological results.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the clinical and functional results of patients treated with InSafeLOCK® humeral nail and iliac crest autograft for humeral nonunion.Patients and methods A total of 15 patients (11 males, 4 females; mean age: 52.1±15.3 years; range, 31 to 78 years) who were followed conservatively for humeral fractures and operated with the InSafeLOCK® humeral nail and iliac bone graft in our center between June 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, operative data, and pre- and postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and Constant-Murley Scores (CMS) were recorded.Results The mean time from injury to nonunion treatment was 10.9±1.6 months. Five patients had atrophic, eight patients had oligotrophic, and two patients had hypertrophic nonunion. Preoperatively, the mean DASH was 37.7±9.1, the mean CMS was 69.7±6.3, and the mean VAS was 3.8±0.7. In all patients, union was achieved. The mean operation time was 59.0±16.2 min. The mean postoperative DASH score was 16.1±8.7, CMS 87.4±3.4, and VAS score 0.8±0.7. Regarding the shoulder joint, the mean abduction was 164.7±11.3 degrees, the mean internal rotation was 82.0±6.8 degrees, the mean external rotation was 81.3±8.3 degrees, and the mean flexion was 162.0±12.1 degrees. During follow-up, complications such as vascular-nerve injury, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, screw migration or loosening, implant failure, and loss of reduction did not occur in any of our patients.Conclusion Considering the satisfactory functional and radiological results, the InSafeLOCK® humeral nail can be used safely in humeral nonunions.

Do the successful revision surgery for humeral nonunion solve all the effects on health\u2010related quality of life? A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of successful revision operation on health quality of life(QoL) and functional outcome in humeral nonunion patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included 62 patients with humeral nonunion from Northwest China, who were admitted to the Department of Trauma Surgery, Honghui Hospital between March 2013 and September 2019. The following data were retrospectively evaluated: demographic data, clinical data, imaging findings, and treatment methods. The QoL assessment indicators for humeral nonunion patients included the SF-12 mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS),brief pain inventory-severity(BPI-S) and brief pain inventory-interference (BPI-I). The mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) was used to assess the elbow function of the patients.ResultsSuccessful revision surgery significantly improved the patient's PCS, MCS, BPI-S and BPI-I scores (p<0.001). According to the MEPS criteria, the excellent and good rates were 95.16% in this study. The impact of humeral nonunion on mental health was comparable with the reported impact of stroke and type II diabetes (p>0.05).The impact of post-op on physical health was comparable with the reported impact of COPD, silicosis, hypertension, barrentt’s esophagus and lower urinary tract symptoms(p>0.05).ConclusionHumeral nonunion is a devastating chronic medical condition that negatively affects both physical and mental health as well as quality of life. Although the effects of pain in the body can be completely relieved by treatment, the entire medical process may cause everlasting psychological trauma to the patient.

Эффективность кровоснабжаемой и обычной костной пластики в достижении сращения при ложных суставах плечевой кости

Introduction Humeral fractures comprise from 5 % to 8 % of all fractures. Nonunion rate of humeral fractures is 5.5–8.7% with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) technique and 3–5.6 % with the use of locked intramedullary nailing technique. Its frequent causes are infection, poor vascularity, severe comminution or technical errors. Purpose Analysis of effectiveness of vascularized bone grafting and non-vascularized bone grafting in humeral nonunion and defect treatment. Material and methods Surgical management of 69 patients with humeral nonunion was performed from 2010 to 2017 at a single institution in two groups. Vascularized bone grafts were used in 41 cases and non-vascularized ones in 28 cases. X-rays and CT-scans of all the patients were studied. Results In the vascularized bone grafting group, union was achieved in 36 cases (88 %) after four to 6 months; in non-vascularized bone group union was achieved in 20 cases (71 %) after eight to 12 months. Conclusion In post-traumatic humeral nonunion and bone defects, after two or more failed surgical procedures performed previously, vascularized bone grafting yields more satisfactory results and reduces the total healing time.

Management of humeral nonunions following failed surgical fixation.

Management of humerus nonunions with previously failed fixation presents a complex problem. There are multiple revision fixation strategies, of which compression plating is a mainstay. The aim of this study was to assess the results of open reduction and direct compression plating without the need for autograft or allograft in the setting of revision humerus open reduction internal fixation. This study is a retrospective analysis of 19 patients treated between 2008 and 2017 for humerus nonunions following failed fixation who were treated by a single surgeon using direct compression plating with bone graft substitutes. Patients were treated with neurolysis of the radial nerve, hardware removal, debridement of the nonunion site with shortening osteotomies, compression plating, and augmentation with bone graft substitutes. All patients were followed until radiographic and clinical union. Nineteen patients were identified for the study and 17 had adequate follow-up for final analysis. Humeral union was achieved in 16/17 (94.1%) patients with a mean time to union of 23weeks. Two patients required a repeat compression plating with bone graft substitute to achieve union. The one patient with a nonunion radiographically reported minimal clinical symptoms and opted for no revision surgery. An association with the index procedure was seen, as three out of four of the patients who experienced radial nerve palsies after their index procedure subsequently experienced a radial nerve palsy after the procedure to repair their nonunion. All patient's all experienced a return of function in their radial nerve either back to baseline or improved from before the revision nonunion surgery. The use of humeral shortening osteotomy and compression plating without autograft or allograft is a viable option for management of humeral nonunions which avoids the morbidity associated with autograft harvest. The patients with radial nerve palsy after the index procedure are likely to have a transient radial nerve palsy as well after the revision surgery necessitating proper informed consent prior to the operation.

What is the Real Rate of Radial Nerve Injury After Humeral Nonunion Surgery?

To determine the radial nerve palsy (RNP) rate and predictors of injury after humeral nonunion repair in a large multicenter sample. Consecutive retrospective cohort review. Eighteen academic orthopedic trauma centers. Three hundred seventy-nine adult patients who underwent humeral shaft nonunion repair. Exclusion criteria were pathologic fracture and complete motor RNP before nonunion surgery. Humeral shaft nonunion repair and assessment of postoperative radial nerve function. Measurements: Demographics, nonunion characteristics, preoperative and postoperative radial nerve function and recovery. Twenty-six (6.9%) of 379 patients (151 M, 228 F, ages 18-93 years) had worse radial nerve function after nonunion repair. This did not differ by surgical approach. Only location in the middle third of the humerus correlated with RNP (P = 0.02). A total of 15.8% of patients with iatrogenic nerve injury followed for a minimum of 12 months did not resolve. For those who recovered, resolution averaged 5.4 months. On average, partial/complete palsies resolved at 2.6 and 6.5 months, respectively. Sixty-one percent (20/33) of patients who presented with nerve injury before their nonunion surgery resolved. In a large series of patients treated operatively for humeral shaft nonunion, the RNP rate was 6.9%. Among patients with postoperative iatrogenic RNP, the rate of persistent RNP was 15.8%. This finding is more generalizable than previous reports. Midshaft fractures were associated with palsy, while surgical approach was not. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

An Unusual Case of Humeral Shaft Non-Union

Background: Humeral shaft fractures account for 1% to 3% of all fractures and approximately 20% of all fracture involving the humerus. The prevalence of non-union for diaphyseal humeral fractures has been reported as 1% to 10% after non-surgical and 10% to 15% after surgical management. Various devices used in treatment of humeral diaphyseal non-union are limited contact dynamic compression plates, locking compression plate (LCP), wave plates, humerus interlocking nail (IMN), Ilizarov external fixators and bone graft struts. Case Description: A 68-year-old man reported a humeral shaft fracture on the left side, due to a simple fall. It was reduced and fixed by IMN. He underwent clinical and radiological follow up. Three months after the intervention, due to persistent pain and impaired function of the left shoulder, the nail was removed and a cemented endoprosthesis was implanted. 3 years later, unsatisfied with the results, he came to our attention and was diagnosed an atrophic non-union in the site of the previous humeral shaft fracture. Moreover, the exams showed a rotator cuff insufficiency. It was decided to perform a single-stage intervention to achieve two goals: cure the humeral shaft non-union and restore the function of the left shoulder. The cemented endoprosthesis was removed, followed by an extensive curettage of the non-union site. A reverse prosthesis was implanted, with an extra-long stem used to stabilize the non-union site, as it was an IMN. An allograft was harvested from a cadaver femur and fixed with two metal cerclages. The patient underwent clinical and radiological follow-up. Complete healing was achieved 8 months later. Conclusion: Humeral shaft nonunion still represent a pathology that pose a serious problem to the surgeon. A correct management should include an accurate pre-operative planning, to achieve the best result possible for the patient.

Induced-membrane treatment of refractory humeral non-union with or without bone defect

Induced-membrane treatment of refractory humeral non-union with or without bone defect