Rate of nonunion and delayed union of fragments in isolated diaphyseal fractures of long bones of the extremities

Abstract

Protocols of examination of 1,239 casualties with isolated diaphyseal fractures of the extremities by the Kharkiv Interdistrict Traumatological Medical-Social Expert Commission within 2008-2010 were analysed. Among the above cases there were 726 patients, referred to the Commission for the first time, and 477 disabled people, who came for the second time because of persistent consequences of injuries. Of the patients, who appeared for the first time, the femoral bone was fractured in 226 cases, the shin bones in 416, the humerus in 69, and the forearm bones in 51. It was found out that the rate of nonunion after plate osteosynthesis was from 12.5 to 26 % depending upon the segment, after intramedullary one from 17 to 23 %, resulting from use of external fixation devices within 7-13 %, and after plaster bandage or skeletal traction from 2.6 to 4 %.