The Carbon Fiber Intramedullary Nail in Pathological Humeral Shaft Fractures: Two Case Reports

The preferred surgical treatment of pathological humeral shaft fractures is the intramedullary nailing. A carbon-fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone (CFR-PEEK) radiolucent nail allows for a stable internal fixation and better visualization of the fracture or pathological site on X-ray plain films, on computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging also even the nail is in place, and enables a better power of radiation therapy in cases in which is indicated. Authors describe two clinical cases of patients with pathological humeral shaft fractures treated with this device until three months follow-up and discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of this new material.