Work

A new modality of treatment for non-united fracture of the humerus in a patient with osteopetrosis: a case report

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Osteopetrosis introduces technical limitations to the traditional treatment of fracture management that may be minimised with specific pre-operative planning. Extreme care and caution are required when drilling, reaming, or inserting implants in patients with osteopetrosis. Caution must be exercised throughout the postoperative course when these patients are at greatest risk for device failure or further injury. CASE PRESENTATION: We present our experience of treating such a fracture where a patient presented with a non-united fracture of the humerus. The bone was already osteoporotic. We successfully used a new technique which has not been described in the literature before. This included the use of a high-speed drill to prepare the bone for screw fixation. Bone healing was augmented with bone morphogenic protein. CONCLUSION: This technique can give invaluable experience to surgeons who are involved in treating these types of fracture.

Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-3-15

Authors: Imran Rafiq, Amit Kapoor, David JC Burton, John F Haines

Institutions: Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, Wrightington Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Bone fractures and treatments

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890