Intramedullary nailing for treatment of forearm non-union: Is it useful? - A case series.

De Vitis, Rocco; Passiatore, Marco; Cilli, Vitale; Maffeis, Jacopo; Milano, Giuseppe; Taccardo, Giuseppe · J Orthop · 2020

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Intramedullary osteosynthesis is often considered a second-order method for treatment of forearm non-union. We evaluated clinical and functional results from 49 patients affected by radio and/or ulna non-union treated using intramedullary nailing, with possible tricortical autologous bone grafting. Healing rate (primary outcome), healing time and functional status have been assessed. Healing was observed in 46 cases (93.9%), the average healing time was 6.3 (SD ± 2.5) months. Excellent result (Anderson score) was reached in 38 cases (77.6%), satisfactory in 7 cases (14.3%). Forearm non-unions represent a therapeutic challenge. Intramedullary nailing is a successful option of treatment.

Anatomy