Objective: To study the results of humeral fracture and non-union repaired by vascularized periosteal flap transfer.
Methods: The clinical data of humeral fracture and non-union in 23 cases were analysized retrospectively since 1995. Among them, minuted or several segmental fracture in 12 cases, non-union in 11 cases, and following injury of radial nerve in 7 cases. The operative method was open reduction, inner or external fixation with vascularized periosteal flap transfer.
Results: The period of follow-up was 6 months to 2 years. The repair result of all patients was excellent and good, but elbow joint motion in 2 cases of non-union was not satisfactory. The periosteal flap had good osteogenic ability. The period of bone union was 2 to 5 months in humeral fracture and non-union. And function of radial nerve was recovery.
Conclusion: Transfer of distal humeral periosteal flap pedicled with radial collateral vessels is a better method for humeral fracture and non-union.