Effectiveness of vascularized and conventional bone grafting in achieving union in humeral pseudarthrosis

Introduction Humeral fractures comprise from 5 % to 8 % of all fractures. Nonunion rate of humeral fractures is 5.5-8.7% with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) technique and 3-5.6 % with the use of locked intramedullary nailing technique. Its frequent causes are infection, poor vascularity, severe comminution or technical errors. Purpose Analysis of effectiveness of vascularized bone grafting and non-vascularized bone grafting in humeral nonunion and defect treatment. Material and methods Surgical management of 69 patients with humeral nonunion was performed from 2010 to 2017 at a single institution in two groups. Vascularized bone grafts were used in 41 cases and non-vascularized ones in 28 cases. X-rays and CT-scans of all the patients were studied. Results In the vascularized bone grafting group, union was achieved in 36 cases (88 %) after four to 6 months; in non-vascularized bone group union was achieved in 20 cases (71 %) after eight to 12 months. Conclusion In post-traumatic humeral nonunion and bone defects, after two or more failed surgical procedures performed previously, vascularized bone grafting yields more satisfactory results and reduces the total healing time.