Revisions after Treatment of Diaphyseal Humeral Fractures

Abstract

The authors demonstrate the protocol of revisions after primary therapy of 22 diaphyseal humeral fractures due to bone healing disturbances. The complications are easy to recognize through clinical and radiological signs. Through early revision the prevention of contractures and posttraumatic osteoporosis, causing insufficient late functional results, is possible. The authors also demonstrate the indications of possible closed (cannulated humeral nail) and open (plates) methods, the biomechanical, biological and technical advantages and disadvantages. Combined methods with high risk can also be successful with proper surgical techniques. Between 1996 and 2000 following the revisions of 21 patients the bony consolidation was perfect, one postoperative septic complication was controlled after metal removal. One patient died because of background disease. Neither loosening, deformity nor breakage of intra- or extramedullary implants, nor iatrogenic radial nerve palsy occurred.

Key words

Fracture - humeral shaft - delayed union - non-union - operative treatment

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