title: Humeral diaphyseal aseptic non-unions: an Algorithm of management.
abstract: Successful operative treatment of a humeral shaft non-union may be a challenge for the surgeon. Several treatment options have been reported over the years. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Twenty-three retrieved articles (level of evidence IV) fulfilled our inclusion criteria and dealt with aseptic diaphyseal humeral non-union managed by plating, intramedullary nailing and external fixation based on Ilizarov's principles. Despite an obvious superiority of plating in the treatment of humeral shaft non-unions, there is no doubt that intramedullary nailing as well as external fixation devices have a role. An algorithm of management of the humeral shaft non-unions following a rational approach is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics - Traumatolosy, University of Crete, Greece. kontak@med.uoc.gr
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Kontakis
authors.forename: Theodoros
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tosounidis
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pagkalos
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D018483:Diaphyses / Q000293:injuries; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices / Q000592:standards*; D010346:Patient Care Management / Q000592:standards; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control