Treatment of Malunion / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

Although current surgical techniques have reduced the incidence of malunion, it is still observed because of the complexity of the fracture or associated injuries. Osteotomy is needed when the amount of malunion is expected to result in an overload of cartilage and instability of the joint. Preoperative planning is essential when performing an osteotomy for malunion. Inadequate planning can result in serious complications, such as iatrogenic malalignment, intraoperative fracture, postoperative recurrence of deformity, or soft tissue injuries. In addition, a poor functional result can occur secondary to poor patient selection. This review article includes the surgical indications and planning to correct malunion. Various methods of corrective osteotomy are described according to the kinds of plane and fixation implants.