Operative Treatment for Nonunions of Distal Radial Fracture: A Report of 7 Cases / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the treatment results of 7 cases of distal radius nonunion with a review of the relevant literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients treated with an autoiliac bone graft and rigid internal fixation for nonunion of the distal radius were analyzed retrospectively for the cause of injury, the factors affecting nonunion, radiological findings, treatment method and complications. The results were analyzed radiologically using Kreder's method and functionally using the Anderson' protocols. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all cases after a mean period of 19 weeks. The functional result of treatment at the last follow-up was excellent in 4 cases and satisfactory in 3 cases. The probable factors of nonunion were instability of the fracture site in three cases, type II or III open fracture in 2 cases, postoperative infection in one case and idiopathic in one case. CONCLUSION: Infection control using a stepwise operation, rigid internal fixation and autogenous iliac bone graft showed satisfactory results in distal radius nonunion, which had developed in those with severe open fractures, postoperative infection, instability on the fracture site and associated distal ulnar fracture.