THE USE OF A FIBULAR STRUT ALLOGRAFT WITH DBM, CANCELLOUS CHIPS AND BMP FOR A 10 CM HUMERAL SHAFT INFECTED NON-UNION: A CASE REPORT.

Abstract

Humeral shaft non-unions occur in 2-10% of all fracture cases. Increased incidence of these non-unions can be associated with ORIF, comminution, high impact injuries, bone loss or fracture gaping. Treatment guidelines for fracture non-union state that fractures with gaps greater than 4 cm should be treated with vascularized fibular autografts or transportation with an external fixator. Unfortunately these modalities carry considerable donor site morbidity and patient will experience considerable discomfort, especially when dealing with an external fixator. This report demonstrates how the use of a nonvascularized fibular strut can be effectively utilized as an alternate treatment modality for large humeral shaft non-union gaps. Further studies should be conducted to support this method as a viable treatment option for non-union gaps greater than 4 cm.