Seidel interlocking nailing for healing problems in humeral shaft fractures

In 14 patients aged 38 to 87 years humeral shaft fractures were operated on for failure of reduction, for delayed healing or for established non-union with the Seidel interlocking nail system. In five patients intraoperative technical problems were encountered. The healing rate was eight out of 12 patients. In cases of pseudarthrosis of the humeral shaft, bone grafting or local osteosynthesis in addition to medullary nailing seem advisable. The distal interlocking mechanism of the Seidel nail should be improved.