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01-10-2010 | Original Paper

Anterior plating as a surgical alternative in the treatment of humeral shaft non-union

Authors: Bruno Livani, William Belangero, Giovanna Medina, Ciro Pimenta, Rodrigo Zogaib, Mauricio Mongon

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 7/2010

Abstract

This study included 15 patients with humeral shaft fractures who had no clinical, radiological or bone scan signs of healing after eight months. The patients were followed for a mean of 35.8 months. No patient was lost to follow-up. Anterior plating of humeral shaft nonunion via an anterior approach was performed using a straight plate and compression for well-vascularised non-unions and wave plating with a tricortical graft for poorly vascularised non-unions. All non-unions healed within 6–18 weeks (mean, nine weeks) without local complication. One patient had a mild decrease in elbow and shoulder range of motion. No neurovascular injury was observed. Anterior plating is a simple, safe and effective treatment for humeral shaft non-union. As this approach avoids the need for radial nerve visualisation and extensive soft-tissue dissection, and the healing time is similar to that of other methods, we suggest this treatment as an alternative option.

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Title: Anterior plating as a surgical alternative in the treatment of humeral shaft non-union
Authors: Bruno Livani
William Belangero
Giovanna Medina
Ciro Pimenta
Rodrigo Zogaib
Mauricio Mongon
Publication date: 01-10-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 7/2010
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-009-0863-5

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Anterior plating as a surgical alternative in the treatment of humeral shaft non-union

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