Nonunion of the proximal humerus. A review of 25 cases

Records of 25 patients with nonunion of the proximal humerus were reviewed retrospectively. The initial fractures included 19 two-part surgical neck fractures and six three-part fractures. Fourteen fractures were treated nonoperatively and 11 surgically. Nine of 11 of the initial internal fixations were unsatisfactory. At the time of fracture 16 patients had one or more significant medical illnesses. Nonunion of the proximal humerus was associated with considerable morbidity. Patients complained of pain, stiffness, and disability in association with shoulder dysfunction. Four treatment groups were evaluated. Patients who declined treatment and patients treated with nonreamed intramedullary nails had limited shoulder motion and pain without union. Patients treated with proximal humeral hemiarthroplasty had relief of pain but limited motion despite rotator cuff reconstruction. The best results of treatment occurred after open reduction with internal fixation and bone grafting. A tension band construction that fixed the rotator cuff and proximal humerus to a plate/shaft composite was used successfully in seven patients. Although satisfactory reconstruction of nonunion of the proximal humerus can be obtained, the results of treatment in this series were only fair. Only 48% (12 of 25 patients) had good results.