Interlocking nailing of humeral shaft fractures: the Oxford experience 1991 to 1994.
Forty-three patients with fractures of the humeral shaft were treated by locked intermedullary nailing, using the Russell-Taylor nailing system. Overall there were few technical problems with nail insertion. Additional fracture comminution occurred in five patients but affected stability in only one case. Twenty-six nails were inserted into 22 patients with pathological fractures. The objective of fracture stabilization and pain relief for the remaining life-span of the patient was achieved in all but one case. Out of 21 non-pathological fractures, seven had failed to unite at 8 months (33 per cent). Furthermore, five of the 17 fractures nailed soon after injury (29 per cent) went on to non-union. Four of 15 patients reviewed clinically had poor or unsatisfactory shoulder function. These results suggest that interlocking nailing should be used with caution in the management of non-pathological fractures.
Hems
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Trauma Service, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Bhullar
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods*; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome