PURPOSE: No research on posterior bowing of the distal humerus in the sagittal plane requiring evaluation during performance of intramedullary nailing has been reported in Korea. This study is designed to evaluate the location and angle of distal humeral posterior bowing in the sagittal plane through analysis of true lateral radiographs of humerus and discusses key points when performing intramedullary nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 99 people with a simple lateral radiograph of the humerus and the authors analyzed total length of humerus, the angle and location of maximum posterior bowing in the distal shaft of the humerus. RESULTS: The mean length of the humerus was 319.7 mm, and the mean angle of the distal posterior bowing was 8.8 degrees. The mean point of posterior bowing was 221.6 mm from the proximal end, which was 69.3% of the total length of the humerus. CONCLUSION: The average posterior angulation of humerus existed at the point of 69.3% from the proximal humerus. Careful assessment is needed during intramedullary nailing in order to prevent complications.
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary* ; Humeral Fractures ; Humerus* ; Korea ; Retrospective Studies