Single-Stage Repair of Infected Humeral Nonunion After Fixation: A Critical Narrative Review
Abstract: Background: Infection complicating humeral nonunion challenges both eradication and mechanical reconstruction. Objective: To appraise a recent Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma (JOT) series of planned single-stage revision following prior fixation, in the context of a multicentre infected shaft nonunion cohort and fracture-related infection (FRI) definitions. Methods: Selective narrative review of original clinical evidence and the international consensus definition; no systematic search or meta-analysis. Results: In the JOT series of 15 culture-positive patients, 13 (86.7%) ultimately united, but only 10 (66.7%) did so after the index repair alone. Five (33.3%) required unplanned reoperation and two (13.3%) developed recurrent infection. Cutibacterium acnes accounted for 80% of cultures. A separate 26-patient multicentre shaft cohort reported 13 unions (50%) after infected nonunion repair, with similar observed proportions after planned one- and multistage care; its population and endpoints differ. Conclusion: One-stage repair can succeed in selected patients, but frequent additional operations and uncertain generalizability preclude a claim of superiority over staged care. [1-3]
Keywords: infected humeral nonunion; fracture-related infection; single-stage revision; Cutibacterium acnes; union; reoperation
How to Cite?: Nishant, "Single-Stage Repair of Infected Humeral Nonunion After Fixation: A Critical Narrative Review", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 461-462, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261002183222, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261002183222