Osteosynthesis with Structural Bone Grafting and Plate-screw Fixation for the Treatment of Forearm Bone Nonunion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We reported clinical results of autologous tricorticocancellous bone grafting and plate-screw fixation for nonunion of the forearm bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with nonunion of the forearm bones that underwent surgical treatment were evaluated. Tricorticocancellous bone grafting which was harvested from the iliac crest and plate-screw fixation were performed. Radiologic bone union was evaluated based on the simple radiographs. At the final follow-up, range of motion was measured and the Anderson scale was used for functional evaluation. RESULTS: Radiologic bone union was achieved in all cases. The mean range of motion was 139degrees of elbow flexion, 3degrees of flexion contracture, 73degrees of forearm pronation, 72degrees of supination, 70degrees of wrist flexion, and 70degrees of wrist extension. Anderson scale was excellent in 6 patients, satisfactory in three, and unsatisfactory in one. CONCLUSION: Autologous tricorticocancellous bone grafting and rigid plate-screw fixation is a reliable method to achieve successful healing of forearm bone nonunions.