[Interlocking nail according to Seidel in recent diaphyseal fractures of the humerus. Review of 41 cases of 48 fractures].

The Seidel's humeral interlocking nail is used in our department since december 1986. We report about the 48 first cases, 41 of them have been reviewed with a mean time follow up of 14 months. The indications were humeral mid-shaft fractures with associated lesions (20 cases), failures of non operative treatment (10 cases) and compound fractures (7 cases). Primary radialis nerve lesions has to be explored before nailing. In 41 cases we used a static procedure; post-operative immobilisation average time: were 13 days. Consolidation occurred in all cases within an average time of 10.5 weeks. Post-operative complications consisted in 1 case of infection healed after removal of the nail, and 1 case of secondary displacement after dynamic nailing with secondary radio-circumflex paralysis. The results were appreciated concording to the criteria of Stewart and Hundlay. We noted 64 per cent excellent and good results for fractures of the upper third, 80 per cent for fractures of the middle third and 85 per cent for the distal third of the diaphysis. All transverse fractures had a very good result but also the transverse and spiral fractures with third fragment which represent very unstable fractures especially at the upper third. The closed interlocking nailing of the humeral fractures according to Seidel represents a reliable and stable fixation method. Consolidation occurs in all cases whatever the type or the level of fracture.