Malunions of the Humeral Shaft

Humeral shaft malunions are relatively common with non-operative management but often are asymptomatic in nature. If any malunion is symptomatic cosmetically or functionally, corrective procedures may be indicated to improve outcomes. In the instance of such a malunion, the quality of the underlying bone as well as robustness of healing needs to be fully understood to perform the most appropriate procedure. Correction of these malunions may be performed with osteotomies and compressive plate fixation, with use of external fixation (Ilizarov style), or even arthroplasty procedures.