Results of non-union of humerus treated with retrograde humeral nail.

Abstract

Treating non-union of humerus fracture is a surgical challenge with variable outcome. We report series of 51 adult patients of aseptic non-union of humerus from 1998 to 2010 treated retrograde humeral nail. The mean age of patient was 54 years with 33 females and 18 males. The mean duration of non-union was 8 months. In 48 out of 51 cases (94 %), union was achieved at mean duration of 10.1 months. Thirty-two out of 51 patients needed bone grafting. Three patients had post-operative radial nerve neuropraxia which fully recovered. At last visit, mean Constant score for shoulder was 83 and mean Mayo score for elbow 78. Our series with this implant shows excellent union rates for extra articular humeral non-unions in adults.