HUCKSTEP INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING FOR NON-UNION OF HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES

Background : Various techniques of internal fixation for non-union of humeral shaft fractures have been attempted, leading to union rates of between 50 and 90% with persisting non-union causing pain and disability. Some of these techniques have led to shoulder and elbow dysfunction. Methods : Eight patients treated with Huckstep nail fixation for humeral shaft non-union were reviewed and the rate of union was determined. Elbow and shoulder function were assessed as well as the presence of pain or disability. Results : Union was achieved in seven of the eight patients (87.5%). Four patients had occasional mild pain after union. All patients achieved good arm function. Average shoulder abduction was 157° and flexion 151° excluding one patient with antecedent advanced osteoarthrosis of the gleno-humeral joint. No patient experienced any permanent neurological deficit. Conclusions : Huckstep nail fixation achieved union rates comparable to or higher than the other techniques of internal fixation for non-union of humeral shaft fractures. Unlike the various methods of closed nailing, Huckstep nail fixation is not associated with shoulder and elbow dysfunction. It should be considered as a therapeutic option in humeral shaft fracture and non-union, especially where the fracture site needs to be opened.     

TREATMENT OF HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES WITH THE SEIDEL INTRAMEDULLARY NAIL

Background: The use of intramedullary nails for the management of humeral shaft fractures has been controversial. Recently, the Seidel nail has become available. The purpose of this study was to review our initial experience with the Seidel nail. Methods: A retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 25 consecutive patients treated with Seidel intramedullary humeral nail was performed. The nail was used for non-union in 10 patients, delayed union in four, acute fracture in eight and pathological fracture in three. Eighteen of the 19 survivors were clinically reviewed at an average of 15 months (range 8–25). Pain, function, satisfaction, shoulder power, range of motion and clinical outcome were graded using the UCLA shoulder score. Results: Pain was present at the shoulder in four patients and at the fracture site in nine. Average shoulder abduction was 99° and nine patients could not abduct the shoulder past 90°. Sixty-six per cent of patients reviewed were graded as only fair or poor using the UCLA shoulder score. In three patients rotational control was not achieved with the distal locking device at the time of surgery. Complications included non-union in 10 patients and three intra-operative fractures. Conclusions: Non-union was more likely to occur if rotational control was not obtained, or if the patient had the nail inserted for a previous non-union. Use of the Seidel nail frequently leads to shoulder pain and dysfunction. The distal locking device is unreliable and predisposes to non-union. We do not recommend the continued use of the Seidel nail.     

Antegrade interlocking nailing of humeral shaft fractures

The results of 39 humeral shaft fractures (37 patients) treated with antegrade locked nailing using a Russell–Taylor nail were reviewed. There were 30 acute fractures, 6 fractures malaligned in a hanging cast or brace, and 3 pathological fractures. Patient age ranged from 26 to 80 years (average, 59.7 years) and average follow-up was 25.7 months (range, 6–48 months). Fracture union was achieved in 92.3% of our cases, while shoulder function was excellent or good in 87.2% of cases. Antegrade locked nailing offers a dependable solution for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures, especially in polytrauma patients and cases of segmental or pathological fractures. Far less satisfactory results were obtained in comminuted fractures of the proximal third in the humerus, especially in osteoporotic patients, and we therefore advocate caution with the use of intramedullary nailing in this type of fracture. Certain technical aspects such as avoiding nailing the fracture in distraction, properly countersinking the tip of the nail, and achieving adequate fixation stability have been found to be of paramount importance to reduce the incidence of delayed union/non-union rate and to obtain better functional results from the shoulder joint.     

Intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures. A retrospective study of 126 cases.

Antegrade intramedullary nailing with four different implants was used in 126 humeral shaft fractures. There were 74 acute fractures, 17 pathologic fractures, 16 fractures malaligned in a hanging cast or brace, 15 fractures with delayed union and 4 fractures that were nailed after failed open reduction and internal fixation. The nonunion rate was 21/95 after primary operation, and after reoperations 14/95. Distraction of the fracture was a significant cause of nonunion, but not type of fracture, localization, implant, and delay between injury and surgery. Shoulder joint function was significantly impaired in 25/67 patients. The patients regarded the result as good or satisfactory in 41/67 of the cases who were followed mean 3 (0.5-10) years. We conclude that antegrade intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures leads to a substantial risk of non-union and impairment of shoulder function. It can be recommended as primary treatment only when nonoperative treatment is likely to fail.     

Intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures: A retrospective study of 126 cases

Antegrade intramedullary nailing with four different implants was used in 126 humeral shaft fractures. There were 74 acute fractures, 17 pathologic fractures, 16 fractures malaligned in a hanging cast or brace, 15 fractures with delayed union and 4 fractures that were nailed after failed open reduction and internal fixation. The nonunion rate was 21/95 after primary operation, and after reoperations 14/95. Distraction of the fracture was a significant cause of nonunion, but not type of fracture, localization, implant, and delay between injury and surgery. Shoulder joint function was significantly impaired in 25/67 patients. The patients regarded the result as good or satisfactory in 41/67 of the cases who were followed mean 3 (0.5-10) years.

We conclude that antegrade intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures leads to a substantial risk of non-union and impairment of shoulder function. It can be recommended as primary treatment only when nonoperative treatment is likely to fail.     

Clinical evaluation of a new custom offset shoulder prosthesis for treatment of complex fractures of the proximal humerus

Primary hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder is an accepted procedure to treat complex proximal humeral fractures. The goal of this study was to assess the functional outcome in patients treated with hemiarthroplasty using a custom offset shoulder prosthesis, either for an acute four-part fracture of the proximal humerus or following failed primary treatment of a complex humeral fracture. Thirty seven patients were followed up for a mean of 17 months after shoulder replacement (Group A: four-part-fractures; n = 26, Group B: posttraumatic necrosis/non-union after failed primary treatment; n = 11). The Constant-Murley-Score and radiological score according to Neer's classification were used for postoperative functional and radiological assessment. Following hemiarthroplasty, Group A achieved an average Constant Score of 52 and Group B of 46. The pain relief after hemiarthroplasty was about 53% in Group A and only 33% in Group B. The least satisfying partial function was shoulder mobility in both groups. Radiographic evaluation did not correlate with the Constant Score. Patients secondarily treated with arthroplasty seem to have less chance to achieve a satisfying functional outcome compared to those with immediate hemiarthroplasty. These results emphasise the importance of a careful initial decision to select the most appropriate treatment modality in complex fractures of the proximal humerus.     

Shoulder impairment following treatment of diaphysial fractures of humerus by functional brace

Introduction Treatment of humeral shaft fractures by functional bracing has been reported to be effective in achieving high rate of fracture union and good function of the adjacent shoulder and elbow joints. Since our previous clinical impression indicated an occurrence of shoulder function impairment following this treatment, we investigated the shoulder function in a consecutive series of patients treated by functional bracing for fractures of humeral shaft in order to estimate their residual shoulder function. Materials and methods We followed 15 consecutive patients with humeral shaft fractures treated by functional brace. The mean follow up was 30 months (range 12–57 months); seven patients with midshaft fracture, four patients with proximal third, and four patients with fractured distal third of the humeral diaphysis. All the patients were evaluated by the Constant score of the injured limb in comparison to the contra-lateral not injured shoulder and by the Oxford shoulder score of the injured limb. Results We found that all the fractures were united with mean varus angulation of 13° and with mean angulation in the saggital plane of 9° antecurvatum, Constant scores were significantly lower in the injured shoulders (P < 0.001) and the function of the shoulders in the injured extremities were estimated as having mean Oxford shoulder score of 34 (range 17–54). Conclusions The evaluation of the present series revealed an impaired functional outcome in the shoulders after humeral shaft fracture. Our results indicate that although the fracture union is usually achieved following the functional bracing of humeral shaft fractures, the shoulder function in the injured limb may remain impaired.     

Prediction of outcome after humeral diaphyseal fracture

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the demographic factors, functional outcome and radiological data to predict the outcome of humeral diaphyseal fractures.

Methods

We performed a prospective study on a consecutive series of 110 patients of 16 years or over, who had sustained a humeral diaphyseal fracture. There were 42 males and 68 females, with an average age of 59 years (range 16-93 years). A total of 72% sustained low-energy injuries, and 89 patients (81%) were primarily treated non-operatively.Shoulder function was assessed using the Neer's and Constant's scores at 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after injury. Muscle strength was determined isokinetically using a Biodex System 2 dynamometer. Non-union was defined as a failure to bridge at least three cortices and persistence of tenderness or mobility at the fracture site 16 weeks after fracture.

Results

Sixteen patients (17%) had non-union at 16 weeks, while 80 had achieved union and a further 14 were lost to follow-up. After stepwise multiple linear regression was performed to isolate independent factors affecting outcome, only the presence of a proximal diaphyseal fracture was found to predict non-union along with a poor Neer's score at 8 and 12 weeks. Poor Neer's scores could be predicted at 26 weeks by age (P < 0.05), previous stroke (P < 0.001) and non-union (P < 0.001). At 52 weeks both age (P < 0.01) and previous stroke (P < 0.01) were independently predictive of poorer Neer's scores. Malunion of any degree had no detectable effect on function.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that non-union of humeral diaphyseal fractures can be predicted in the presence of a proximal third fracture with a Neer's score of less than 45 by 12 weeks after fracture. Early surgery improves early function, but this is not a lasting effect. Poor shoulder function is predicted by increasing age, proximal third fractures and non-union. We recommend that surgery to promote union be considered at 12 weeks after fracture in fit patients with fractures of the proximal third of the humerus, poor Neer's scores and no radiographic progression to union.     

Plating of humeral shaft fractures--has the pendulum swung back?

We reviewed 49 patients following plate osteosynthesis of humeral shaft fractures. There were no complications as a result of surgery. Union occurred in 47 patients (96%) at a mean of 9 weeks. Two patients required secondary procedures to achieve union. All patients had full range of motion in the elbow and shoulder joints following union. In the light of the popularisation of intramedullary nailing techniques in the last decade, with recognised complications of iatrogenic radial nerve injury, inadequate rotational stabilisation, non-union and shoulder impingement, we advocate plating of humeral shaft fractures as the surgical treatment of choice.     

AO非扩髓肱骨髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折

目的：总结运用AO非扩髓肱骨髓内钉(UHN)治疗肱骨干骨折的临床效果。方法：从1999年2月-2002年5月，本科运用髓内固定技术共治疗了46例肱骨干骨折的病人，其中男21例，女25例。平均年龄42岁。根据肩肘关节的活动范围对术后肩肘关节的功能进行评价。结果：肩肘关节功能优秀30例(占65％)，良好13例(占28％)，差3例(占7％)。手术时间平均为60min。术后没有继发性桡神经瘫，无伤口感染。3例患者术后出现肩蜂下撞击综合征，2例患者出现肘关节的疼痛。结论：非扩髓肱骨髓内钉对于肱骨干骨折是一种固定可靠，并发症少，骨愈合率高，功能恢复良好的手术方法。     

分叉交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折

目的探讨分叉交锁髓内钉(BILN)治疗肱骨干骨折的临床效果.方法应用BILN治疗28例肱骨干骨折,根据术后肩肘关节活动范围对其功能进行评价.结果所有患者获平均9个月的随访,骨折均愈合.肩肘关节功能评价:优16例,良9例,差3例.术后没有继发性桡神经损伤,无切口感染,无骨不连.结论BILN治疗肱骨干骨折是一种固定可靠、并发症少、骨折愈合率高、功能恢复良好的方法.     

交锁髓内钉在治疗肱骨干骨折中对肩关节功能的影响

目的　报告 1996～ 1998年间应用多种型号的交锁髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折 2 5例的疗效。方法　对肱骨干骨折 2 5例采用交锁髓内针治疗。得到随访 2 1例。随访时间 8～ 32个月 ,平均 17个月。伤者年龄 18～ 70岁 ,平均 39岁。骨折类型 :横断形9例 ,粉碎形 2例 ,斜形 5例 ,螺旋形 5例。肱骨上 1/3骨折 4例 ,中 1/3骨折 16例 ,下 1/3骨折 1例。结果　按Neer评分法测定肩关节功能 ,13例 (6 2 % )合并有不同程度的功能障碍。结论　认为目前的交锁髓内针在治疗肱骨干骨折时会损伤到肩袖 ,因此在选用时应慎重。     

Long-term results after non-plate head-preserving fixation of proximal humeral fractures

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate displaced proximal humeral fractures treated with a non-plate head-preserving fixation and to detect factors predicting functional outcome. After a median follow-up period of 79.7 months, 105 patients with nine A-fractures, 36 B-fractures and 60 C-fractures (nine two-part-fractures, 41 three-part fractures and 55 four-part fractures) were assessed. Functional outcome was measured based on the Constant and UCLA scores. Of all patients, 70–75% had excellent or good Constant and UCLA scores. In 74% a good or satisfactory quality of initial reduction fracture was achieved. About one-fifth (21%) of the fractures showed a secondary displacement. Twenty-seven percent of the patients had signs of humeral head necrosis and 22% had implant related problems. There were significant correlations between a high final score and young age, low AO fracture severity, good quality of fracture reduction and residual osseous deformity, absence of secondary fracture displacement, implant-related complications, shoulder arthrosis and humeral head necrosis at the time of follow-up. In conclusion, the non-plate head-preserving fixation of proximal humeral fractures is an alternative treatment for displaced proximal humeral fractures. Especially in severely displaced C-fractures in older patients, non-anatomical reduction leads to a high rate of secondary displacement, residual osseous deformity and only a fair shoulder function. For these cases alternative methods such as prosthetic replacement should be chosen.     

Five years' clinical experience with the unreamed humeral nail in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures

With the development of interlocking nail systems especially designed for the upper arm, standards for the operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures have appeared to change. The trumpet-like shape of the medullary cavity does not allow stable splinting with a nail alone, and therefore the bone--nail complex is commonly stabilized with interlocking bolts. Between June 1996 and June 2001, 51 fractures of the humeral shaft were treated operatively at the BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen with the unreamed humeral nail (UHN; Synthes). All nails were inserted by the retrograde technique. Ninety-five percent of the patients showed excellent or good shoulder function at follow-up examinations. For elbow function, 91.4% of the patients showed excellent or good results. Three out of four patients with poor elbow function had suffered from an additional injury to the brachial plexus; one patient developed heterotopic ossification. Intraoperative complications were: one iatrogenic lesion of the radial nerve, two intraoperative shaft fractures, one split at the insertion point, and one supracondylar fracture. As implants we used 7.5 mm nails in 36 cases and 6.7 mm nails in 15 cases. Among the 47 patients undergoing follow-up examinations, we found two cases of non-union. All patients were pain-free. Thirty-seven patients were very satisfied, six satisfied and four dissatisfied with the therapy. Decisive criteria for the use of a new implant are a high safety standard and simple reproducibility; these appear to be fulfilled by retrograde nailing of humeral fractures with the UHN. Interlocking nailing with the UHN enriches the range of therapeutic options for humeral shaft fractures.     

Humeral nailing revisited

Unreamed interlocked humeral nailing for stabilisation of acute humeral fractures was introduced a decade ago. Antegrade and retrograde nail insertion are equally popular. The role of nailing as opposed to plating of humeral fractures is the subject of continuous debate. Between 1997 and 2005, 99 acute fractures of the humeral shaft were treated operatively with the unreamed humeral nail (UHN, Synthes) in our Level I Trauma Centre. The mean age of the patients was 63 years. Only eight patients (8.1%) were polytraumatised, nine patients had an open fracture (9.1%), five had a primary radial nerve palsy (5.1%). There were 54 antegrade and 45 retrograde nailings. The procedures were performed by 19 different surgeons, who carefully followed a detailed operation protocol. There were 6 adverse events: 3 secondary radial nerve palsies (3%), 2 fissures at the insertion point (2%) and one false placement of a locking screw (1%). Three patients developed pseudarthrosis (3%). Eight further operation were necessary (8.1%): 3 exploration of the radial nerve, 3 for treatment of pseudarthrosis, one replacement of a locking screw and one wound revision for superficial wound infection. Ninety patients (92 fractures) were evaluated after bone healing. Shoulder function was assessed using the Constant Score, elbow function with the Mayo Elbow Score. 91.3% and 5.4% of patients had an excellent or good shoulder function, 81.5% and 14.1% had an excellent or good elbow function. All patients with a functional deficit of the shoulder joint had antegrade, all patients with a deficit at the elbow joint retrograde nailing. Motor function recovered in all radial nerve palsies. 93.5% of patients had an excellent or good functional end result.Unreamed humeral nailing is a valid therapeutic option for stabilisation of acute humeral shaft fractures. Antegrade and retrograde nailing are associated with specific but different complications. By strictly adhering to the operation technique, the number and severity of complications can be reduced. When good fracture alignment and stability are obtained, uneventful bone healing with good functional outcome is the rule.     

Minimally invasive plating for complex humeral shaft fractures

INTRODUCTION: The treatment for humeral shaft fracture is still controversial, especially for complex fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of treating complex humeral shaft fractures by using locking compression plate with minimally invasive technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients with 21 acute complex humeral shaft fractures (AO type C) were included in this study. All were treated with locking compression plate in a minimally invasive way. The average age of the patients was 42.9 years and there were 14 males and 7 females. Plain radiographs of humerus were used to assess bony union. Functional recovery of the shoulder joint was assessed using the Constant and HSS scoring systems. RESULTS: The patients were followed for a mean of 28.7 months (range 19-37). With one operation, nineteen fractures (90.4%) achieved a solid union in an average of 14.3 weeks. At final follow-up, 20 patients (95.2%) had satisfactory alignment, except for one associated with olecranon fracture, all patients had a good to excellent elbow function with a mean HSS score of 91.7 points. Eighteen patients (85.7%) achieved satisfactory shoulder function with a mean Constant score of 83.1 points. One superficial infection (4.8%) and two non-unions (9.6%) were found postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that use of a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis with locking compression plate is a safe alternative way to classic surgical methods in the treatment of complex humeral shaft fractures, which had a high union rate with less risk of complications.     

A preliminary clinical experience with Polarus nail for proximal humeral fractures. A pilot study on ten patients

The Polarus nail has recently been popularised to fix proximal humeral fractures. In the current pilot study we reviewed the early results obtained using this nail. Ten patients with proximal humeral fracture (four pathological, 5 traumatic and one non-union) were fixed using a Polarus nail. The fractures were classified according to Neer (7 two-parts and 3 three-part fractures). The mean followup was 22 months (6–39) months. The following criteria were assessed: pain, range of shoulder movement and function. Seven patients were satisfied with their operation, their fractures healed in a mean period of 3 months (2–4 months). No postoperative neurovascular complications were encountered; the re-operation rate, was however 30%. Conclusion: in the authors' brief pilot study in 10 patients, and despite the heterogenous fracture types, we came in to conclusion that the indications for using Polarus nail is limited due to the high complications rate associated with the procedure when used for displaced three or four part surgical neck fracture of humerus.     

肱骨近端骨折的治疗与肩关节功能预后因素分析

目的 探讨肱骨近端骨折的治疗方法及影响肩关节功能的预后因素.方法 2002年1月至2005年7月收治51例肱骨近端骨折患者且获得随访.按Neer分型:一部分骨折2例,二部分骨折30例,三部分骨折13例,四部分骨折6例.采用保守治疗7例,切开复位内固定42例,人工肱骨头置换2例.应用ASES评分评估治疗结果.对患者年龄、性别、合并伤、合并症、受伤至治疗时间、骨折类型及治疗方法等7个可能的相关因素进行多因素分析.结果 51例患者术后获平均37.2个月(19-67个月)随访.ASES评分平均82.1分(36.7-100分).单因素Logistic回归分析发现年龄、合并症和骨折类型的差异有统计学意义(P值、OR值及95%C1分别为0.005、0.513、0.404-0.651,0.021、0.129、0.053-0.312,0.005、0.267、0.167-0.427).多因素Logistic逐步回归分析发现仅年龄和骨折类型的差异有统计学意义(P值、OR值及95%C1分别为0.007、0.494、0.379-0.642,0.006、0.240、0.142-0.405).结论 影响肱骨近端骨折后肩关节功能的主要预后因素是年龄和骨折类型,应主要根据这两个因素采用个体化的治疗方法.     

Internal fixation of fractures and non-unions of the humeral shaft. Indications and results in a multi-center study

We performed ninety-six internal-fixation procedures for fracture or non-union of the humeral shaft in eighty-four patients, with a mean follow-up of 32.6 months (range, three months to fourteen years). The primary indications for operative intervention included humeral shaft fracture in a patient with multiple trauma, non-union, inadequate reduction of a humeral shaft fracture by closed methods, pathological humeral-shaft fracture, and progressive radial-nerve palsy. Methods of internal fixation included compression plates and screws and intramedullary Küntscher nails or Rush rods. The use of an AO/ASIF compression plate or interfragmentary lag screws with an AO/ASIF neutralization plate in twenty-seven multiply-injured patients resulted in a union rate of 100 per cent and generally good motion of the shoulder and elbow. Five multiply-injured patients also obtained good results through fixation by a modified Hackethal technique using two Rush rods. The use of intramedullary Küntscher nails resulted in a rate of union of 91 per cent in eleven multiply injured patients. Ten patients with non-union of a humeral shaft fracture had an 80 per cent rate of union with the use of an AO/ASIF compression plate. The use of a Küntscher nail in eleven patients with non-union resulted in a rate of union of only 73 per cent and frequently caused subacromial impingement. Fractures of the humeral shaft that had had an inadequate reduction by closed means or were associated with progressive radial-nerve palsy were best managed by a compression plate or the modified Hackethal technique.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

肱骨近端Neer 3部分或4部分骨折治疗的加速康复研究

目的研究加速康复理念在严重肱骨近端骨折治疗中应用的意义。 方法成都大学附属医院2017年1月至2020年1月应用加速康复方法治疗37例Neer分型属于3部分或4部分骨折的肱骨近端骨折患者,其中采用骨折切开复位内固定术29例（内固定组）、人工肱骨头置换手术8例（关节置换组）。从手术时间、术中出血量、手术操作难度、术后患者骨愈合情况以及术后肩关节功能情况进行对比分析,评估手术治疗疗效并总结手术治疗体会及加速康复经验。 结果内固定组和关节置换组患者在平均手术时间、平均出血量、平均住院时间和引流管放置时间上差异无统计学意义。加速康复理念始终贯穿于术前病情评估、术中细节处理、术后功能锻炼等整个治疗过程中。术后随访,内固定组有27例术后3个月时达到骨愈合,1例因术后2个月时外伤再发骨折行翻修手术,1例发生骨折延迟愈合,予患肢悬吊,术后5个月时达到骨愈合。关节置换组8例患者均在术后3 ~ 4个月达到术后骨性愈合,术后无肩峰骨折及肩胛骨骨折病例。两组患者术后视觉模拟评分无显著差异,内固定组患肢肩关节功能评分在术后3个月、6个月及1年时明显优于关节置换组（P<0.05）。 结论严重的肱骨近端骨折应根据不同的骨折类型选择手术方案。加速康复治疗理念自始至终贯穿于肱骨近端骨折的诊治过程中,对术后疗效影响显著。