Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2025
Establishing a Diaphyseal Femur Fracture Model in Mice
Published on: December 9, 2022
Risk factors associated with delayed union after open reduction and plate fixation for humeral diaphyseal fractures
Yuh-Ruey Kuo1,2, Po-Yen Ko1, Chun-Yi Lee3
1Department of Orthopedics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Rd., North Dist., Tainan City, 704, Taiwan.
Background:
The risk factors related to delayed union in humeral diaphyseal fractures (HDFs) following surgical osteosynthesis remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate radiological outcomes and the risk factors associated with delayed union in a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF) for acute HDFs.
Materials And Methods:
Consecutive patients with AO/OTA 12-A and AO/OTA 12-B fractures who underwent ORPF using standard compression techniques between 2017 and 2020 were enrolled in the study. Demographic data, along with serial medical records and radiographs, were collected. The included patients were divided into two groups: the timely union (union occurring within 6 months postoperatively) and the delayed union group (union occurring between 6 and 12 months postoperatively). Differences between the groups were examined, and logistic regression was subsequently applied for risk factor analysis.
Results:
Sixty-five cases were included in the study, consisting of 34 males and 31 females, with a median age of 38.9 years. Among these, 45 cases (69.2%) were classified in the timely union group, while 20 cases (30.8%) were classified in the delayed union group. Overall, 30 cases (46.2%) demonstrated secondary bony union. Significant differences were observed between groups in terms of fracture pattern, immediate postoperative fracture gap, union pattern, and complication rate (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of interfragmentary screw and the presence of postoperative complications were independent predictors of delayed union, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.14 and 5.76, respectively.
Conclusions:
In ORPF for acute HSFs, 30 out of 65 cases demonstrated secondary bone union despite the use of standard compression techniques. The application of interfragmentary screws significantly reduces the risk of delayed union. Conversely, the presence of postoperative complications is associated with an increased likelihood of delayed union.
Level Of Evidence:
3 Trial Registration All procedures were approved by the institutional review board of the authors' hospital (IRB nos. A-ER-112-395 and IRB20230089).
More Related Videos
04:19Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
15:11Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling
Published on: January 5, 2015
