title: Avoiding complications in the treatment of humeral fractures.
abstract: Three of the most common complications that may occur after the treatment of humeral fractures are nonunion, loss of fixation, and nerve injury. Nonunion may occur in up to 15% of patients who have been treated surgically. Loss of fixation often is caused by poor quality bone in the osteopenic humeral head. Nerve injury can occur as a result of trauma or from treatment.
authors.affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Anglen
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Archdeacon
authors.forename: Lisa K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Cannada
authors.forename: Dolfi
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Herscovici
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Ostrum
mesh_terms: D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D017211:Treatment Failure