Treatment of non-union of the bone is a challenge,
especially when the fracture is complicated by
infection, angulation and translation, which is difficult
to be managed by conventional methods.
Here, we discuss the technique and the results of
treatment of humeral non- union by the Ilizarov
method.
20 patients with 20 humeral shaft nonunions were
treated by debridement and fixation following the
Ilizarov method. The mean age of the patients was
35.05±11.48 years, there were 13 males and 7 females.
The mean follow up period was 16.2 months. The
mean time in the frame was 8.1 months. Bony union
was achieved in all patients.
According to the A.S.A.M.I. Scale results were
excellent in 13 patients (65%), good in 4 (20%), fair
in 3 (15%). There were no poor results.
The Ilizarov method is effective in various types of
humeral non-union, provided a good understanding
of the fracture requirements.