Non-unions of the humeral shaft

Non-unions of the humeral shaft are a rare entity but usually associated with symptoms such as pain and weakness and therefore, surgical revision is often inevitable. The etiology of the non-union is of vital importance. Aseptic non-unions must be distinguished from septic non-unions since the latter usually requires a staged procedure. In addition, mechanical stability and biology at the fracture site are key factors that need to be addressed during revision. Non-invasive methods, i.e., high-energy shock wave therapy, may be an option in certain cases. The present article provides an overview on the problem of non-unions and comprehensively illustrates revision strategies.