IM Nailing of Humeral Shaft Frx Wheeless

Description: Discussion:
- may be indicated for multi-trauma patients w/ humeral shaft frx, and patients w/ pathologic frx;
- note that following humeral shaft frx, IM nailing provides torsional and bending stiffness of only 20-30% of normal;
- indications:
  - pathologic frx:
    - generally non operative treatment is insufficient for these frx;
    - radiation therapy is of variable benefit;
    - when IM nailing is to be performed, always use a closed technique (unless open biopsy is required) so that early post operative radiation may be started (w/ in the first week or two);
  - unacceptable reduction:
    - upper arm will accommodate 10-20 deg of anterior angulation & 10-30 deg of varus;
    - 2 cm of frx shortening; Technique - Antegrade, Retrograde
Complications