Nonunion Humerus Case

Presenting

This 67 year old woman fell and broke her right humerus, which was initially treated elsewhere with a splint and sling. Five months after falling, her fracture had not healed.

Result After Treatment by Dr. Brinker

She was treated with a plate and bone grafting and her fracture healed three months after surgery.

Presenting

This x-ray of an 83-year-old woman 15 months after a humerus fracture shows a wide gap at the fracture site and very thin bone. The patient was initially treated nonoperatively at an outside facility by other physicians and presented with considerable pain and was disabled.

Treatment in Progress

This image taken during surgery shows the positioning of an intramedullary allograft bone graft as well as the method of stabilization with a plate and screws. A second plate was placed to increase stability.

Result After Treatment by Dr. Brinker

Final x-ray 7 months after surgery shows good bone healing without loosening of the plates. The patient had no pain and had improved her function markedly.

Presenting

This x-ray of a 66-year-old woman 5 months after a humerus fracture initially treated at an outside facility by other physicians with a rod shows displacement at the fracture site and no signs of healing. The patient was in considerable pain and was unable to work full-time as a salesperson.

Result After Treatment by Dr. Brinker

Final x-ray 6 months after surgery with a locking plate and bone grafting shows solid healing of the humerus. The patient has no pain and has returned to working full-time.