Marchetti-Vicenzi nailing of humeral shaft fractures.
Between 1995 and 1999, 46 acute nonpathological humeral shaft fractures were treated with retrograde Marchetti-Vicenzi humeral nailing. The mean healing time of all fractures was 10.8 weeks. Forty-five fractures (97.9%) united primarily, and one needed bone grafting (2.1%). Function of the shoulder was excellent in 35 patients (76.1%) and moderate in 11 (23.9%). Elbow function was also excellent in 35 patients and moderate in 11. Global functional results were excellent in 16 patients (34.8%), good in 22 (47.8%) and fair in 8 (17.4%). There were 4 cases of 10 degrees varus malunion (8.6%), one case of 15 degrees varus malunion (2.1%), and one case of 15 degrees anterior angulation malunion (2.1%). These malunions were clinically well tolerated. Four patients required removal of the nail because of posterior elbow pain. Retrograde Marchetti-Vicenzi nailing is an acceptable alternative for the treatment of acute humeral shaft fractures with a low complication rate.
Servizio di Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Ospedale Universitario Miguel Servet, Saragoza, Spagna.
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Martinez
J
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Cuenca
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Peguero
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Herrera
J J
JJ
Panisello
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome