Abstract

Previous studies have shown that the expandable nail system (Fixion®) can provide rapid stabilisation of long bone fractures with reduced operative time and low complication rates. Patients with humeral shaft fracture were treated consecutively over a two-year period in our institution with the Fixion® nail.
Nineteen Fixion® nailings were performed in 16 patients over a 2 year period. All fractures were diaphyseal and closed. Eight primary fracture stabilisations were performed and we recorded 2 non-unions in this group, both associated with rotational instability at the fracture site.
Six nailings were performed in 4 patients for fracture non-union with a mean operative time of 127.5 minutes. One case did not unite despite 3 separate Fixion® nailing procedures. Five operations were performed for a pathological fracture, with a mean operative time of 79 minutes ; they all united.
We did not experience advantages of this nail as mentioned in previous studies and the complication rate was higher than previously stated.