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. 2016 Jul;10(2):27-34.
doi: 10.5704/MOJ.1607.006.

Nonunion of Fractures of the Ulna and Radius Diaphyses: Clinical and Radiological Results of Surgical Treatment

H Boussakri  1 , A Elibrahimi  2 , M Bachiri  2 , M Elidrissi  2 , M Shimi  2 , A Elmrini  2
Affiliations

Nonunion of Fractures of the Ulna and Radius Diaphyses: Clinical and Radiological Results of Surgical Treatment

H Boussakri et al. Malays Orthop J. 2016 Jul.

Abstract

Aseptic nonunion of the radius and ulna is a major complication of forearm fractures, accounting for 2% to 10% of all forearm fractures. The aim of our study is to evaluate the functional and radiological results of surgical treatment of diaphyseal aseptic nonunion of the radius and ulna, with autologous bone grafting, decortication and internal plate fixation. A series of 21 patients (26 nonunions) was retrospectively reviewed, the average age was 35 years with a mean of 31,58 years (range 12-44 years). The fractures included isolated radius (n=6) and ulna (n=10), and both radius and ulna (n=5). The Grace and Eversmann score was used to evaluate our results. Fifteen had very good results, five good and one average. Consolidation of the two bones was attained in 6.2 months. Therefore, the functional prognosis of the upper limb imposes the need for an adequate treatment. This management strategy has enabled us to have satisfactory results. However, the best treatment of nonunion remains the preventive treatment with an optimal management and care of the forearm fractures.

Keywords: Radius and ulna; diaphyseal fracture; nonunion.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Intraoperative appearance. (a): nonunion of the ulna with the material fracture. (b) : decortication and debridement of the fracture site.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
(c): corticocancellous graft. (d): final intraoperative appearance after implementation of graft and fixation by a dynamic compression (DCP).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Nonunion of the ulna on a screwed plate after a period of 10 months with union of the focal spot.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Functional results.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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