Abstract
This study reviews the use of intramedullary fibular allograft in treating nonunion of the humeral neck in 11 patients. Nine women and two men with a mean age of 76 years (63 to 89) were followed up for a mean of 61 months (14 to 72). The nonunion was exposed through a deltopectoral approach and fibular allograft was inserted across the fracture site. As the fibula is a very dense cortical bone, a T-plate could then be applied to the humerus with the screws directed into the intra-medullary fibular peg. Supplementary corticocancellous bone from the iliac crest was used. Bony union was achieved in every case. The preoperative mean Constant score was 26 and the postoperative mean Constant score was 75. The most notable improvement was in patients’ ability to elevate the arm actively. Decreases in pain levels were observed but were less dramatic than the increases in function.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
