Acute fractures of the humeral shaft are usually managed conservatively. The rate of union is high, whereas that of nonunion ranges from 1 – 6%. Various risk factors for nonunion have been identified, including the following: open fracture, mid shaft fracture, transverse or short-oblique fracture, comminuted fracture, unstable fixation, fracture gap.

This paper evaluates the results of treatment of humeral shaft fracture by open reduction and internal fixation with DCP, supplemented with cancelous bone graft but not in all cases.

One hundred and five cases of nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture between 1988 and 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. The study population comprised 66 males and 39 females with an average of 46.2 years (range, 17 – 81 years). Sixty seven fractures were defined as atrophic nonunion, and 20 as hypertrophic nonunion, whereas 18 could not be defined clearly. All the fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixaztion with DCP and cancelous bone graft. The mean follow up period was 20 months (range, 14 – 28 months).

All nonunion fractures united within an average of 16 weeks (range 10–26 weeks).

Complications included 4 patients with temporary radial nerve palsies, and 3 patients with wound infections. At the final follow-up shoulder and elbow functions of the operated limbs were all satisfactory.

Fixation by DCP with supplemental cancellous bone graft is a reliable and effective treatment for nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture