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Infected nonunions of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

There are no reported series that specifically deal with repair of infected nonunions of the diaphysis of the forearm bones. We sought to determine whether a standardized treatment protocol we have utilized for 15 patients from 1989 to 2005 results in a high union rate, resolution of infection, and a good functional outcome.

Methods

The study cohort included nine male and six female patients who presented to a University hospital setting with an infected nonunion of the diaphysis of the radius or ulna. Every patient had a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The average patient age was 45 years (range 17–79). Eight of the patients had fractures involving their dominant arm. Thirteen patients had initially fractured both the radius and ulna, but two of these patients had subsequently healed one of the bones. One patient had an isolated radius fractures, and one patient fractured the ulna alone. All patients underwent a protocol that combines aggressive surgical debridements as necessary, definitive fixation after 7–14 days, tricortical iliac crest bone grafting for segmental defects, leaving wounds open to heal by secondary intention, 6 weeks of culture-specific intravenous antibiotics, and early active range of motion (ROM) exercises. We sought to report our success rate of nonunion repair, number of re-interventions, complication rate, final ROM, and the ability to eradicate the infection using this treatment regimen.

Results

At most recent follow-up (average 5 years, range 2–15 years), all patients had united and resolved their infections. One case was considered a failure, although he did go on to unite a one-bone forearm and was free of infection at most recent follow-up. All but three patients, including the one failure, had at least 50° of supination/pronation and 30–130° of flexion/extension arc. Excluding the one failure that united his one-bone forearm at 46 months, the average time to union was 13.2 weeks (range 10–15 weeks).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that our standard protocol for treatment of infected nonunion of the shafts of the radius and ulna is reliable at obtaining fracture union with a good functional result, while also resolving the infection.

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Conflict of interest statement

None of the above authors claim any conflicts of interest or received any funding for this investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Trauma Attending, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA

    Mark L. Prasarn

  2. 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 66, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

    Mark L. Prasarn

  3. Investigation from the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

    E. Anne Ouellette & David R. Miller

  4. North Park Professional Building, 100 N.W. 170th Street, Suite 101, North Miami Beach, FL, 33169, USA

    E. Anne Ouellette

  5. 1860 Town Center Drive, Ste. 300, Reston, VA, 20190, USA

    David R. Miller

Authors
  1. Mark L. Prasarn
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  2. E. Anne Ouellette
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Correspondence to Mark L. Prasarn.

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Prasarn, M.L., Ouellette, E.A. & Miller, D.R. Infected nonunions of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 130, 867–873 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-1016-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-1016-4

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