[Intramedullary nailing of the humerus as an alternative to conservative therapy and to plate osteosynthesis]

For humeral shaft fractures conservative treatment, plate osteosynthesis and IM nailing are possible options according to the localization, type of fracture or additional soft tissue problems. While the majority of humeral shaft fractures is still treated conservatively, today an increasing number of fractures is felt to be suitable for ORIF. Pseudarthroses, pathological fractures, multiple fractures or polytrauma, very severe open fractures, soft tissue interposition or concomitant nerve or vascular injuries are all indications for operative treatment. We think that plate osteosynthesis is still the standard. IM interlocking nailing has been shown to be advantageous for early rehabilitation and low radial nerve damage rates. In IM nailing it is still necessary to improve the implants and implantation techniques. A retrograde extra-articular nailing technique with elastic implants is preferable. The preliminary results for a newly developed elastic nail ("Monachia Nail") in 18 patients are very promising with respect to the implantation technique, fracture healing and functional rehabilitation.