The Fixion nailing system for stabilising diaphyseal fractures of the humerus: a two-year clinical experience.

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 nonunions 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.