Successful Fixation of a Tuberculous Nonunion of the Humeral Shaft

Abstract

Case: A 48-year-old man from North Africa with a history of infection after fixation of a humeral fracture presented 8 years later with an infected nonunion. After operative debridement, Mycobacterium tuberculosis grew on culture. Following a 2-stage surgical procedure and medical management of the tuberculosis (TB), successful union had been achieved at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: Nonunion of the humerus caused by TB is a rare entity, but careful attention to patient demographics can forewarn the care provider. Irrigation and debridement with the Masquelet technique followed by compression plating and an iliac crest autograft can provide positive results.