[Ante- and retrograde intramedullary nailing of humerus fractures].
OBJECTIVE
Safe and definitive stabilization of fully displaced, unstable fractures of the humerus which cannot be fixed conservatively; plaster cast: subcapital humerus fractures, fractures of the shaft, and supracondylar fractures.


METHODS
These depend on two major factors: first, on the morphology (strongly displaced transverse fractures, long oblique and spiral fractures, and comminuted fractures) and the stability of the fracture, and second, more often on socioeconomic aspects and comfort. Therefore, absolute and relative indications are known.


METHODS
Stable and undisplaced fractures.


METHODS
Follows the rules and principles of the ESIN technique (elastic stable intramedullary nailing). Preparation of the lateral/radial entry points; opening of the medullary canal with an awl or drill; introduction of both precontoured nails, of which one is C-shaped, and the other S-shaped.


METHODS
No plaster cast or splint necessary, always functional postoperative treatment; exceptions are pain or anxiety of the child or parents (arm sling).


RESULTS
In case of correct indication and operative technique, an optimal result is to be expected; the responsibility for possible failures lies always on the surgeon!
Slongo
Theddy F
TF
Abteilung für Pädiatrische Chirurgie, Universitätskinderklinik, Inselspital, Bern, Schweiz. theddy.slongo@insel.ch
D001864:Bone Wires; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome