Abstract
In this prospective study, our aim was to determine the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the surgical treatment of primary complex problem femoral and humeral shaft fractures treated by a new technique called "sandwich technique." A total of 45 patients with comminuted, complex and/or osteopoenic fractures of the femur or humerus (30 femoral and 15 humeral fractures) were treated using this technique. The patients were followed up for a mean of 25 months. In 24 (85.7%) of 28 patients with femoral fractures and in 14 (93.3%) of 15 patients with humeral fractures, union was achieved within 3-6 months of the operation (mean: 4.5 months). The total union rate was 88.4%. The pseudoarthrosis rate was 12%. There was no infection or implant failure seen during the follow-up period. The cortical allograft struts can be used to provide collateral support to weakened osteopoenic/osteoporotic bone. This technique provides a union rate of about 88% in osteoporotic and/or complex primary humerus or femur fractures.