Marchetti-Vicenzi nailing of humeral shaft fractures

Between 1995 and 1999, 46 acute nonpathological humeral shaft fractures were treated with retrograde Marchetti-Vicenzi humeral nailing. The mean healing time of all fractures was 10.8 weeks. Forty-five fractures (97.9%) united primarily, and one needed bone grafting (2.1%). Function of the shoulder was excellent in 35 patients (76.1%) and moderate in 11 (23.9%). Elbow function was also excellent in 35 patients and moderate in 11. Global functional results were excellent in 16 patients (34.8%), good in 22 (47.8%) and fair in 8 (17.4%). There were 4 cases of 10 degrees varus malunion (8.6%), one case of 15 degrees varus malunion (2.1%), and one case of 15 degrees anterior angulation malunion (2.1%). These malunions were clinically well tolerated. Four patients required removal of the nail because of posterior elbow pain. Retrograde Marchetti-Vicenzi nailing is an acceptable alternative for the treatment of acute humeral shaft fractures with a low complication rate.