[Upper arm fractures and upper arm shaft pseudarthroses]

An assessment of treatment results achieved during two periods of observation (1953-1976 and 1976-1981) shows that chances of osseous healing are good in fractures and non-unions of the shaft of the humerus, provided the method of treatment had been correctly indicated. Preference should be given to conservative treatment in case of fresh fractures of the shaft. However, if this is not possible, surgery is indicated, as is the case if healing does not take place. Laminar osteosynthesis performed from the dorsal side should be the method of choice, since it combines the advantages of easy surveyability while performing the operation with those of biomechanical stability.