Risk Factors of Court-Brown and McQueen for Nonunion of a Fracture Involving the Proximal Humerus

 

Patient selection: fracture of the proximal humerus with nonoperative management

 

Risk factors for nonunion:

(1) older age

(2) metaphyseal comminution

(3) fracture displacement

 

Nonunion of a fracture of the proximal humerus results in:

(1) loss of overall glenohumeral function

(2) slow return to routine activities of daily living

 

If surgery is required to repair fracture nonunion:

(1) it should be performed as soon as possible once nonunion has been diagnosed

(2) it should not be delayed beyond 6 months after the fracture