Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Original Article

Nonunion with a Bony Defect of the Humerus: Treatment by Shortening: Jae Sung Lee, Soo Yong Kang, Jae Hyun Yoo; J Korean Fract Soc 2008;21(1):45-50. Published online January 31, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2008.21.1.45

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
To evaluate clinical results and advantage of interposition and shortening technique for the treatment of the humeral nonunion with bone defect.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eight patients with the humeral nonunion with bone defect underwent interposition of fragments and shortening had been followed-up for more than one year (mean 70 months, 16~156). There were 4 men and 4 women with a mean age of 60.5 years (range, 48 to 75 years). There included 3 proximal, 3 diaphysis and 2 distal metaphysis according to the site, mean size of the bone defect was 3.3 cm (2~5). The time to union, discrepancy of upper extremity, functional results, cosmetic satisfaction and postoperative complications were assessed.
RESULTS
All patients achieved to bone union, average union time was 10.2 weeks (range 8~14). Average limb discrepancy was 2.3 cm. All had improvement in shoulder and elbow motion after operation. Seven patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result and none had functional deficit due to limb discrepancy.
CONCLUSION
Treatment by Interposition of fragments and shortening in the intractable nonunion of humerus with a bony defect can achieve not only good functional result, shortened bone union time and improved in shoulder and elbow motion.

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