[Ilizarov augmentation in the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions developing after failed intramedullary nailing].
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we presented our experience with Ilizarov augmentation in the treatment of patients with humeral shaft nonunion following failed intramedullary nail fixation.


METHODS
Seven patients (4 females, 3 males; mean age 47 years; range 32 to 62 years) with established humeral nonunions following antegrade intramedullary nailing were evaluated retrospectively. In all patients an Ilizarov fixator was applied over the nail as a closed procedure. The average period between the first injury and fixator application was 12.2 months (range 8 to 21). The patients were assessed radiologically with respect to bony union at follow-up. Constant scoring was used to assess shoulder function in the clinical evaluation.


RESULTS
All nonunions healed without a major complication. Five patients had superficial pin tract infections which responded well to antibiotic treatment. The follow-up average Constant score was 78.


CONCLUSIONS
Ilizarov external fixation is an alternative and effective method in the treatment of aseptic humeral shaft nonunion following failed intramedullary nailing.
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, İzmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Turkey.
Hasan
H
Karapınar
Ulaş
U
Akgün
Cemal
C
Kazımoğlu
Tugrul
T
Bulut
Muhittin
M
Sener
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D018889:Ilizarov Technique / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged