A new modality of treatment for non-united fracture of the humerus in a patient with osteopetrosis: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Osteopetrosis introduces technical limitations to the traditional treatment of fracture management that may be minimised with specific pre-operative planning. Extreme care and caution are required when drilling, reaming, or inserting implants in patients with osteopetrosis. Caution must be exercised throughout the postoperative course when these patients are at greatest risk for device failure or further injury.


METHODS
We present our experience of treating such a fracture where a patient presented with a non-united fracture of the humerus. The bone was already osteoporotic. We successfully used a new technique which has not been described in the literature before. This included the use of a high-speed drill to prepare the bone for screw fixation. Bone healing was augmented with bone morphogenic protein.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique can give invaluable experience to surgeons who are involved in treating these types of fracture.
Rafiq
Imran
I
Upper Limb Unit, Wrightington Hospital, Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire, WN6 9EP, UK. imranrafiq@doctors.net.uk.
Kapoor
Amit
A
Burton
David Jc
DJ
Haines
John F
JF