J Korean Shoulder Elbow Soc.  2009 Jun;12(1):33-37.

Compression Plate Fixation with Autogenous Bone Graft for Humerus Shaft Nonunion

• Cho CH
• Song KS
• Bae KC
• Kim IK
• Kwon DH

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of the compression plate fixation and autogenous bone graft in the management of humerus shaft nonunion.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eighteen cases were treated for humerus shaft nonunion using compression plate fixation and an autogenous iliac bone graft. The mean follow-up period was 28 months. Bony union was confirmed from the serial radiographs and the clinical outcomes were assessed according to ASES scoring system.
RESULTS
In 12 cases of initial plate fixation, the causes of nonunion were 6 cases of inadequate plate length, 2 with a broken plate, 2 with screw loosening, 1 infection and 1 noncompliance of a psychiatric patient. In 3 cases of initial intramedullary fixation, the cause of nonunion was a distraction of the fracture site. In 3 cases of external fixation, the cause of nonunion was inadequate fixation. All cases showed bony union after an average of 24 weeks. The clinical outcomes were 11 excellent, 6 good and 1 fair.
CONCLUSION
In the treatment for nonunion, compression plate fixation with autogeneous bone graft after complete removal of the fibrous and necrotic tissue is believed to give satisfactory results

Keyword

Humerus shaft; Nonunion; Compression plate fixation; Autogenous bone graft

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Humerus
Transplants