[LOCKED INTRAMEDULLARY NAlLlNG OF HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES].

BACKGROUND

Clinical and radiological results ofthe patients with humeral shaftfractures who underwent Iocked intramedullary nailing are retrospectively evaluated in this study.

METHODS

29 patients (17 males, 12 females; mean age 43.6; range 26 to 68 years) who underwent Iocked intramedullary nailing were evaluated retrospectively. 17 patients had major and seven patients had minor traumas. ln three patients the fractures were, pathological and also two patients had additional hypertrophic non-union. Closed intramedullary nailing was performed in 21 patients. Three patients (two with non-union) were treated by using autogenous graft. Nine patients were nailed antegradely and 20 retrogradely.

RESULTS

The meanfollow-up period was 16.2 months (range 8 to 47 months). The mean time ofunion was 18 weeks (range 8 to 36 weeks) in 26 patients (% 90) but non-union occured in three patients.Functional end results ofshoulderand elbow were excellent in 23 (%79) patients, moderate infour (%13) patients and bad in two %8) patients. Postoperative complications included radial nerve palsy, breakaie of the distal locking screw and superficial infection in one patient each. Nail migration also occured in an osteoporotic patient.

CONCLUTIONS: Locked intramedullary nailing is the treatment ofchoicefor humeral shaftfractures in osteopenic bone, pathological fractures, comminuted or segmentalfractures and also for humeral shaftfractures in polytraumatised patients who may need to use the injured armfor early rehabilitation and mobilization.