[Role of Hackethal bundle nailing in the treatment of humerus fractures: about 80 cases]

The main debate regarding humerus fractures focuses on their therapeutic indications because any type of orthopedic or surgical stabilization finds unconditional and sometimes vehement defenders. We conducted a retrospective study of 80 patients treated initially with Hackethal's technique of intramedullary bundle nailing in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at Avicenne Military Hospital between January 2000 and January 2012. The fractures were classified according to AO classification and Hackethal classification (modified by De La Caffinière). Functional assessment was based on the modified Stewart and Hundley classification. We got 60 very good outcomes, 6 good outcomes, 2 quite good outcomes and 2 poor outcomes. The two cases with poor outcomes had pseudarthrosis. We noted no iatrogenic radial nerve palsy, infection or pin migration. The average time for union was 9 weeks and 6 days. This is a reliable, easy to perform and low cost technique, which provides a good stabilization of the fracture site, allowing early mobilization with excellent functional outcomes.