The treatment of selected fractures of the humeral shaft with the True-Flex nail

The True-Flex nail was used in 23 selected non-pathological and eight pathological fractures/lesions of the humeral shaft. The overall fracture union rate was 69.5 per cent and the patients achieved a good range of movement of the shoulder and elbow. Nailing did not lead to union of established non-unions or fractures which were previously treated unsuccessfully by surgery despite bone grafting. All patients with pathological fractures/lesions regained good function of the arm and a good range of movement of the shoulder and the elbow. In one case the nail migrated proximally and impinged on the rotator cuff. This was revised, No other technical difficulties of complications were seen. The True-Flex nail is useful in the treatment if difficult and relatively recent humeral shift fractures. Established non-unions or cases where previous surgery has failed should be treated by alternative methods. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.