Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There is lack of effective method for treating humerus nonunion. Iliac plate can maintain the compact contact between fracture end and bone graft, accelerate bone union, as well as provide stability for bone union. 
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of treating humerus nonunion by using iliac bone graft as plate combined with the external fixation.
METHODS: Thirteen patients with nonunion of the humorous at Department of Orthopedic Trauma Surgery, Jinan Command General Hospital of Chinese PLA were selected, including 11 males and 2 females, aged 20-51 years, mean aged 35.5 years. All the patients were treated with iliac bone graft and screws combined with the mono lateral external fixation. The bone healing was observed by X-ray film. Shoulder function and complications were measured by Neer score.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All patients were followed up for 7-64 months, mean 38 months. Bony union was achieved in all patients within 6-10 months (mean 8.1 months). The activity function of shoulder and elbow was normal; and Neer scores were 71-96 (mean 87 scores). No infection, pain, prevalent fracture or nonunion occurred. The results demonstrated that using iliac bone graft as plate combined with the mono lateral external fixation is a good salvage operation for nonunion of the humerus.