Retrograde fixation of fractures of the neck and shaft of the humerus with the 'Halder humeral nail'

Abstract

The Halder humeral nail is a new intramedullary device designed for displaced two part humeral neck and shaft fractures. It is inserted retrograde from the olecranon fossa and a unique trio wire is inserted through the nail to provide good proximal fixation. This avoids the use of proximal screws and damage to the rotator cuff thereby ensuring good rotator cuff function. The results of 100 cases are presented. At 6 weeks, 95 patients could perform the majority of daily tasks. There were four non-unions, one following a deep infection.