Data di Pubblicazione:
2007
Citazione:
Extracorporeal shock wave treatment of humeral nonunion : a case report / P. Ciampi, C. Scotti, G.M. Peretti, G. Fraschini. - In: SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH. - ISSN 1824-7490. - 2:1(2007 May), pp. 42-45. [10.1007/s11332-007-0037-z]
Abstract:
Fracture of the humerus represents a common problem among the young and elderly populations. Although humerus fractures usually heal uneventfully, nonunions can sometimes occur. We present a case of humeral nonunion managed with shock wave therapy in the outpatient setting. A 62-year-old woman with a closed comminuted fracture of the proximal third of the humerus came to our attention 6 months after the trauma with a hypertrophic nonunion. Radiographs showed a hypertrophic callus with a fracture gap of 4 mm. We performed ten shock wave treatments in the outpatient department, with an interval of 60 days between each single treatment. Each session consisted of 2000 impulses at 0.86 mJ/mm2 applied in two planes. No anesthesia was given during the treatment. The patient received a sling to support the treated arm during the first days following each treatment. Follow-up assessment by radiographic and physical examination, performed after 4 weeks and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, showed complete bony union and cortical bridging, achieved at the end of the treatment. We believe that this method is a safe and effective alternative to surgery for the treatment of chronic hypertrophic nonunions. Moreover, in case such treatment is unsuccessful, subsequent surgery is not precluded.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Fracture; High-energy shock waves; Nonunion
Elenco autori:
P. Ciampi, C. Scotti, G.M. Peretti, G. Fraschini
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