Management of non-union of humeral fractures with the Stryker T2 compression nail.
BACKGROUND
Fractures of the humeral shaft are relatively common injuries and the majority achieve union uneventfully; however, non-union rates of up to 13% are reported when managed either conservatively or operatively. Despite the many surgical techniques described for the management of non-unions, including plate fixation, intramedullary nailing or external fixation, some cases remain resistant to treatment with ongoing problems achieving union.


METHODS
We describe a technique using the Stryker T2 humeral nail which incorporates a compression system allowing closure of the non-union fracture gap. Twelve patients underwent compression nailing for established humeral fracture non-union. All achieved radiological union at an average of 4.5 months (range 3-12 months).


RESULTS
All patients reported a return to their normal pre-injury level of activities.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that this technique of intramedullary nailing with a novel compression technique is effective in the treatment of humeral shaft fracture non-union.
Fenton
Paul
P
Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK. fenton1977@hotmail.com
Qureshi
Ford
F
Bejjanki
Nithin
N
Potter
David
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult