Surgical management of a long segmental defect of the humerus using a cylindrical titanium mesh cage and plates: A case report

Naftaly Attias, Richard E. Lehman, Leonard S. Bodell, Ronald W. Lindsey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

This is a case report of a patient who sustained multiple gunshots resulting in a Gustilo Anderson type IIIB mid-shaft humeral fracture associated with extensive segmental bone and soft-tissue loss. The patient was treated initially by multiple irrigations, wound debridement, and a unilateral external fixator. After the soft tissue healed without infection, the mid-shaft humeral defect of approximately 8 cm segmental bone loss was reconstructed with a cylindrical titanium mesh cage packed with a composite of cancellous allograft and demineralized bone matrix putty and stabilized with limited contact dynamic compression plates. At 13 months follow-up, plain radiographs demonstrated a healed construct with good alignment, and computed tomography images demonstrated bony in-growth through the cage. The patient had full range of motion at the shoulder and the elbow. This technique may be a reasonable alternative when treating large segmental bone defects of the humerus.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)211-216
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of orthopaedic trauma
Volume19
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Allograft
  • Gustilo Anderson type IIIB
  • Mesh cage
  • Mid-shaft humeral fracture
  • Segmental bone loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Surgical management of a long segmental defect of the humerus using a cylindrical titanium mesh cage and plates: A case report'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this