[Ilizarov augmentation in the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions developing after failed intramedullary nailing].

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we presented our experience with Ilizarov augmentation in the treatment of patients with humeral shaft nonunion following failed intramedullary nail fixation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven patients (4 females, 3 males; mean age 47 years; range 32 to 62 years) with established humeral nonunions following antegrade intramedullary nailing were evaluated retrospectively. In all patients an Ilizarov fixator was applied over the nail as a closed procedure. The average period between the first injury and fixator application was 12.2 months (range 8 to 21). The patients were assessed radiologically with respect to bony union at follow-up. Constant scoring was used to assess shoulder function in the clinical evaluation.

RESULTS

All nonunions healed without a major complication. Five patients had superficial pin tract infections which responded well to antibiotic treatment. The follow-up average Constant score was 78.

CONCLUSION

Ilizarov external fixation is an alternative and effective method in the treatment of aseptic humeral shaft nonunion following failed intramedullary nailing.