[Retrograde interlocked intramedullary nailing of fresh humeral shaft fractures].

OBJECTIVE

To report the experience in retrograde intramedullary nailing of fresh humeral shaft fractures.

METHOD

From February 1999 to June 2000, 32 humeral shaft fractures were treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing. All fractures were fresh and closed. The entrance point was on the proximal boarder of the olecranon fossa. Nails were locked distally and proximally.

RESULTS

All fractures healed within 3 months and showed good function of shoulder and elbow joints. Radial palsy occurred in 1 patient post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Retrograde intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fracture is one of the best treatments. Its advantages include no disturbance to the rotator cuff, stable fixation of the fractures, less soft tissue injury and fast recovery of the functions of near shoulder and elbow joint.