Aseptic Nonunion Research Articles

Results of Polyaxial Locked-Plate Fixation of Periarticular Fractures of the Knee

Background: Locked-plate fracture-fixation techniques and designs continue to evolve. Polyaxial locking plates that allow screw angulation and end-point locking have become available; however, there are no clinical data documenting their strength and efficacy, to our knowledge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a variable-axis locking plate in a multicenter series of periarticular fractures about the knee. Methods: Between 2003 and 2005, fifty-four patients with a total of fifty-six fractures were treated with a polyaxial locked-plate fixation system (DePuy, Warsaw, Indiana). There were twenty male patients and thirty-four female patients with a mean age of fifty-seven years. There were twenty-five distal femoral fractures and thirty-one proximal tibial fractures. Twelve of the fractures were open. Clinical and radiographic data, including changes in alignment, hardware breakage, or other mechanical complications of the device, were retrospectively reviewed. Function was assessed with use of the Knee Society scores. One patient with a bilateral fracture died less than three months postoperatively, and two patients were lost to follow-up prior to union. Fifty-two fractures in fifty-one patients were followed to union or for a minimum of six months; the mean duration of follow-up was nine months (range, six to twenty-five months). Results: Forty-nine (94%) of the fifty-two fractures united. There were no mechanical complications. Most importantly, there was no evidence of varus collapse as a result of polyaxial screw failure. There were three deep infections and one aseptic nonunion. No plate fractured, and no screw cut out. Conclusions: The variable-axis locking plates performed well, with a high rate of fracture union and no evidence of varus collapse due to failure of the polyaxial screw fixation, in a series of complex fractures about the knee. Complication rates were similar to those for historical controls treated with fixed-trajectory locking plates. Polyaxial locking plates offer more fixation versatility without an apparent increase in mechanical complications or loss of reduction. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Results of Polyaxial Locked-Plate Fixation of Periarticular Fractures of the Knee

Locked-plate fracture-fixation techniques and designs continue to evolve. Polyaxial locking plates that allow screw angulation and end-point locking have become available; however, there are no clinical data documenting their strength and efficacy, to our knowledge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a variable-axis locking plate in a multicenter series of periarticular fractures about the knee. Between 2003 and 2005, fifty-four patients with a total of fifty-six fractures were treated with a polyaxial locked-plate fixation system (DePuy, Warsaw, Indiana). There were twenty male patients and thirty-four female patients with a mean age of fifty-seven years. There were twenty-five distal femoral fractures and thirty-one proximal tibial fractures. Twelve of the fractures were open. Clinical and radiographic data, including changes in alignment, hardware breakage, or other mechanical complications of the device, were retrospectively reviewed. Function was assessed with use of the Knee Society scores. One patient with a bilateral fracture died less than three months postoperatively, and two patients were lost to follow-up prior to union. Fifty-two fractures in fifty-one patients were followed to union or for a minimum of six months; the mean duration of follow-up was nine months (range, six to twenty-five months). Forty-nine (94%) of the fifty-two fractures united. There were no mechanical complications. Most importantly, there was no evidence of varus collapse as a result of polyaxial screw failure. There were three deep infections and one aseptic nonunion. No plate fractured, and no screw cut out. The variable-axis locking plates performed well, with a high rate of fracture union and no evidence of varus collapse due to failure of the polyaxial screw fixation, in a series of complex fractures about the knee. Complication rates were similar to those for historical controls treated with fixed-trajectory locking plates. Polyaxial locking plates offer more fixation versatility without an apparent increase in mechanical complications or loss of reduction.

Surgical treatment of aseptic nonunion in long bones: review of 193 cases

The surgical treatment of aseptic nonunion often represents a more challenging situation for the orthopaedic surgeon than treatment of the primary fracture. In fact, it may be necessary not only to "rivitalize" the nonunion area, but also to exchange the bone fixation devices and to place some refill material in the bone gap. Several surgical techniques and different kinds of bone gap refills have been reported in the literature for the treatment of long bone nonunion. We present the results of 193 cases of long bone nonunion that have been treated in a period of 11 years (1992–2003) by a mostly open approach to the nonunion site with or without autologous bone graft interposition. The site (27 humerus, 44 forearm, 48 femur, 74 tibia) and the type of nonunion (179 atrophic, 19 hypertrophic) were considered in the surgical planning as were the mechanic and biological problems. New osteosynthesis was performed in 139 cases: with plate and screws in 82 cases, with intramedullary nails in 31 cases, with external fixators in 15 cases and with other devices in 11 cases (e.g. interfragmentary screws, k-wires). Cancellous or corticocancellous bone graft, always autologous from the iliac crest or from the anterior tibial tuberosity, was used in 183 cases (94.8%). Healing of the nonunion was successful in 179 cases (92.7%) in a mean time of 5.8 months. 14 patients (7.2%), all atrophic nonunion, healed with further surgery in a mean time of 19.2 months. Best results were obtained by the use of the intramedullary nail (31 cases): 99% healed in 5.2 months for the lower limb and 100% healed in 7.4 months for the upper limb. Good results have been achieved by plate (82 cases): 89.5% healed in 4.5 months for the lower limb and 94.1% in 6 months for the upper one. The worst results were observed with external fixation (15 cases). However, this device was used in the most complex situations, when severe soft tissue sufference was present. In this group, the mean healing time was 7.1 months (69.2% of cases) in the lower limb and 8 months (50%) in the upper one. Bone graft alone (54 cases) led to healing in 34 of 35 cases (97%) in the lower limb in 6 months and in 17 of 19 cases (89.4%) in 6.4 months in the upper limb.

Ilizarov methodology for infected non union of the Tibia: Classic circular transfixion wire assembly vs. hybrid assembly.

Introduction:Conventional wire fixation of Ilizarov rings often fails to provide 90-90 configuration because of vital structures, which is essential for optimum stability. Hybrid assembly with half pins is an alternative. The aim of this study is to compare the results of Hybrid assembly with that of conventional classic circular transfixion wire Ilizarov assembly in 50 cases of infected nonunion of tibia between 1994 and 2003.Materials and Methods:This study includes two groups with 25 patients in each group: Group (A) conventional Ilizarov assembly and Group (B) hybrid Ilizarov assembly. Thirty-five cases developed infected nonunion following road traffic accidents while others after fall (6) bullet injury (4), infected osteosynthesis (3) and assault (2). There were 45 males and five females with mean age (18 to 56 years). All active cases (n=28) were treated by debridement including removal of implants in infected osteosynthesis. Twenty out of 22 cases in the quiescent group (non draining for last three consecutive months) were treated without open debridement; only two cases required open debridement for various reasons. All the cases were finally treated as atrophic aseptic nonunion with bone defect and were classified according to ASAMI.Type B1: length of the limb maintained with bone gap (14 cases in both Group A and B) and Type B3: combined shortening with defect (five and seven cases in Group A and B respectively), were treated by bifocal osteosynthesis. Only one case in the B3 group was treated by trifocal osteosynthesis to shorten the time. Type B2: segments in contact with limb shortening (total nine cases; five and four cases in Group A and B respectively) with shortening up to 2 cm (total five cases) were treated with monofocal osteosynthesis while shortening up to 5 cm and beyond (total four cases) were treated with bifocal osteosynthesis.Results:The cases were followed up for two to six years and the results were evaluated by Paley criteria of bony results (union, infection, deformity and leg-length discrepancy) and Functional Results (significant limp, equinus rigidity of the ankle, soft-tissue dystrophy, pain and inactivity). In both the groups, 24 cases out of 25, had excellent to good bony result with Group B having twice more excellent result than Group A. Functional results were found to be similar in both the groups. Although persistence of infection and Grade III pin tract infection (PTI) were slightly higher in Group B, complications like delayed consolidation of regenerate, refracture, deformity and aneurysm of vessel were less in this group.Discussion and Conclusion:Ilizarov methodology produced a satisfactory result in infected nonunion of the tibia. Hybrid assembly was a fruitful advancement in the Ilizarov armamentarium. The results were comparable to Conventional assembly in terms of docking site problems, corticotomy site problems, PTIs and other problems.

Exchange Nailing of Ununited Fractures

Exchange nailing is most appropriate for a nonunion without substantial bone loss. There is no clear consensus regarding the use of exchange nailing in the presence of active, purulent infection. The exchange nail should be at least 1 mm larger in diameter than the nail being removed, and it has been recommended that it be up to 4 mm larger when the nail being removed was greatly undersized. Canal reaming should progress until osseous tissue is observed in the reaming flutes. Exchange nailing is an excellent choice for aseptic nonunions of noncomminuted diaphyseal femoral fractures, with union rates reported to range from 72% to 100%. On the basis of the available literature, exchange nailing cannot be recommended for distal femoral nonunions at this time. Exchange nailing is an excellent choice for aseptic nonunions of noncomminuted diaphyseal tibial fractures, with union rates reported to range from 76% to 96%. On the basis of the available literature, exchange nailing is generally not indicated for humeral nonunions.

Locked Plates Combined With Minimally Invasive Insertion Technique for the Treatment of Periprosthetic Supracondylar Femur Fractures Above a Total Knee Arthroplasty

New locked plate devices offer theoretical advantages for the treatment of supracondylar femur fractures associated with a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These devices also can be inserted with relative ease by using minimally invasive techniques, provide a fixed angle construct, and improve fixation in osteoporotic bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of treating periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures above a TKA with a locked plate designed for the distal femur. Prospective, consecutive case series. Level I trauma center. Twenty-two consecutive adult patients with 24 (2 bilateral) supracondylar femur fractures (OTA 33A) above a well-fixed non-stemmed TKA were treated with the Locking Condylar Plate. One patient who died before fracture healing and 1 who was lost to follow-up were excluded from analysis. All remaining patients (5 males, 15 females, average age, 73 (range, 50-95) years) were available for follow-up at an average of 15 (range, 6-45) months. According to the OTA classification, there were three 33A1, eight 33A2, and eleven 33A3 fractures. All fractures were closed. Indirect reduction methods without bone graft were used in all cases. Nineteen of 22 fractures healed after the index procedure (86%). All 3 patients with healing complications were insulin-dependent patients with diabetes who also were obese (body mass index >30). Two developed infected nonunions and 1 an aseptic nonunion. Postoperative alignment was satisfactory (within 5 degrees ) for 20 of 22 fractures. Fracture of screws in the proximal fragment occurred in 4 patients. In 3 of these cases, there was progressive coronal plane deformity. There was no change in alignment in any other patient. Fifteen of 17 patients who healed returned to their baseline ambulatory status, with 5 requiring additional ambulatory support compared with baseline. Fixation of periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures with a locking plate provided satisfactory results in nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients seem to be at high risk for healing complications and infection.

Treatment of Malunion and Nonunion at the Site of an Ankle Fusion with the Ilizarov Apparatus

Malunion and nonunion of an ankle fusion site are associated with pain, osteomyelitis, limblength discrepancy, and deformity. The Ilizarov reconstruction has been used to treat these challenging problems. We reviewed the results in twenty-one ankles that had undergone a revision of a failed fusion, with simultaneous treatment of coexisting pathologic conditions, with use of the Ilizarov technique. Eight patients had undergone ankle fusion only, eleven had undergone ankle and subtalar fusion, and two had undergone pantalar fusion. Eighteen patients with an average limb-length discrepancy of 4 cm underwent limb lengthening simultaneously with the revision surgery. The average patient age was forty years. Indications for treatment were malunion (eleven patients), aseptic nonunion (eight patients), and infected nonunion (two patients). Clinical, subjective, objective, gait, and radiographic analyses were performed after an average duration of follow-up of 83.4 months. Solid union was achieved in all ankles. The functional result was excellent for fifteen patients, good for three, fair for two, and poor for one. The bone result was excellent for ten ankles, good for nine, fair for one, and poor for one. All eighteen patients who underwent gait analysis had a heel-to-toe progression gait, and twelve achieved normal walking velocity with their shoes on. A plantigrade foot was achieved in each case, and only two patients had >5 degrees of residual deformity. During the Ilizarov treatment, forty-one minor complications (treated conservatively) and twenty major complications (treated surgically) occurred. After removal of the circular frame, seven other complications, which required four additional operations, occurred. In patients with a failed ankle fusion, infection, limb-length discrepancy, and foot deformity can be addressed simultaneously with use of the Ilizarov apparatus to achieve a solid union and a plantigrade foot, usually with a clinically satisfactory result.

Complications Associated With the Posterolateral Approach for Pilon Fractures

To review the complication rates of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of tibial pilon fractures using the posterolateral approach. Retrospective review. Two level I trauma centers. Nineteen consecutive pilon fractures at an average of 13 (range, 13-45) months follow-up. Average age 46 (range, 21-72) years. Four of 19 were open fractures. Because of the high incidence of wound complications associated with the anterior approach for pilon fractures, patients were treated with initial temporary external fixation followed by delayed ORIF through the posterolateral approach to the distal tibia. The hypothesis was that the abundant soft-tissue coverage of the posterior distal tibia would decrease the rate of wound complications. The incidence of wound complications, nonunion, and early posttraumatic arthritis. This was a chart and radiograph retrospective review. The mean time to definitive treatment was 13 (range 2-30) days. Nine of 19 patients (47%) developed complications. There were 6 patients with wound problems, 2 patients with aseptic nonunions, 2 patients with infected nonunions, 3 tibiotalar fusions, and 1 patient with a 3-mm step off. In total, there were 14 major complications in 9 patients. Ten of 19 patients did not have any complication. The posterolateral approach does not eliminate the complications common to other approaches, but does offer a potential alternative when soft tissue concerns prevent other approaches. We do not recommend the posterolateral approach for the routine treatment of tibial pilon fractures.

The Treatment of Chronic Open Osteomyelitis of the Tibia in Adults

The treatment of 30 consecutive adult patients with chronic draining osteomyelitis of the tibia was reviewed. There were four treatment patterns. Eight patients had local debridement with or without soft tissue coverage procedures or bone graft. Three patients had radical debridement and bone transport using a circular frame. Eight patients were treated by the Papineau grafting technique after debridement. Eleven patients had debridement and circular frame fixation to correct associated nonunion, malunion, or shortening. All patients received long-term antibiotic therapy. At an average of 6 years' followup (minimum, 2 years), two patients had persistent drainage and one patient had an aseptic nonunion. This experience affirms the value of the circular frame, of the Papineau graft, of bone transport, and of long-term antibiotics for treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia. There was successful limb salvage in all of the patients and successful treatment (fracture healing without drainage) in 27 of 30 patients. Therapeutic study, Level III-1 (case-control study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Treatment of Femoral Shaft Aseptic Nonunion Associated With Broken Distal Locked Screws and Shortening

This retrospective study investigated the treatment of femoral shaft aseptic nonunions associated with broken distal locked screws and shortening. In this study, 11 femoral shaft aseptic nonunions associated with both broken distal locked screws and shortening in 11 consecutive adult patients were treated. All nonunions were associated with at least 1.5 cm (range, 1.5-3.5 cm) shortening. These nonunions were treated by removal of locked nails, one-stage femoral lengthening, static locked nail stabilization, and corticocancellous bone graft supplementation. Postoperatively, ambulation with protected weightbearing was encouraged as early as possible. Ten nonunions were followed up for a median of 4.1 years (range, 1.8-5.5 years), and nine fractures healed at a median of 4 months (range, 3-6 months). The nonunion case had broken locked screws again at 5 months and was treated with exchange nailing. The fracture healed uneventfully at 4 months. No other complications occurred. The key to removal of broken screws is withdrawal of the nail slightly to release the incarcerated broken screw end. The screw end then is pushed out with a used Knowles' pin or a smaller screwdriver under image intensifier guidance. Concomitant one-stage femoral lengthening to treat nonunion with shortening has a high success rate.

TREATMENT OF MALUNION AND NONUNION AT THE SITE OF AN ANKLE FUSION WITH THE ILIZAROV APPARATUS

Background: Malunion and nonunion of an ankle fusion site are associated with pain, osteomyelitis, limb-length discrepancy, and deformity. The Ilizarov reconstruction has been used to treat these challenging problems. Methods: We reviewed the results in twenty-one ankles that had undergone a revision of a failed fusion, with simultaneous treatment of coexisting pathologic conditions, with use of the Ilizarov technique. Eight patients had undergone ankle fusion only, eleven had undergone ankle and subtalar fusion, and two had undergone pantalar fusion. Eighteen patients with an average limb-length discrepancy of 4 cm underwent limb lengthening simultaneously with the revision surgery. The average patient age was forty years. Indications for treatment were malunion (eleven patients), aseptic nonunion (eight patients), and infected nonunion (two patients). Clinical, subjective, objective, gait, and radiographic analyses were performed after an average duration of follow-up of 83.4 months. Results: Solid union was achieved in all ankles. The functional result was excellent for fifteen patients, good for three, fair for two, and poor for one. The bone result was excellent for ten ankles, good for nine, fair for one, and poor for one. All eighteen patients who underwent gait analysis had a heel-to-toe progression gait, and twelve achieved normal walking velocity with their shoes on. A plantigrade foot was achieved in each case, and only two patients had >5° of residual deformity. During the Ilizarov treatment, forty-one minor complications (treated conservatively) and twenty major complications (treated surgically) occurred. After removal of the circular frame, seven other complications, which required four additional operations, occurred. Conclusions: In patients with a failed ankle fusion, infection, limb-length discrepancy, and foot deformity can be addressed simultaneously with use of the Ilizarov apparatus to achieve a solid union and a plantigrade foot, usually with a clinically satisfactory result. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Treatment of Malunion and Nonunion at the Site of an Ankle Fusion with the Ilizarov Apparatus

Malunion and nonunion of an ankle fusion site are associated with pain, osteomyelitis, limb-length discrepancy, and deformity. The Ilizarov reconstruction has been used to treat these challenging problems. We reviewed the results in twenty-one ankles that had undergone a revision of a failed fusion, with simultaneous treatment of coexisting pathologic conditions, with use of the Ilizarov technique. Eight patients had undergone ankle fusion only, eleven had undergone ankle and subtalar fusion, and two had undergone pantalar fusion. Eighteen patients with an average limb-length discrepancy of 4 cm underwent limb lengthening simultaneously with the revision surgery. The average patient age was forty years. Indications for treatment were malunion (eleven patients), aseptic nonunion (eight patients), and infected nonunion (two patients). Clinical, subjective, objective, gait, and radiographic analyses were performed after an average duration of follow-up of 83.4 months. Solid union was achieved in all ankles. The functional result was excellent for fifteen patients, good for three, fair for two, and poor for one. The bone result was excellent for ten ankles, good for nine, fair for one, and poor for one. All eighteen patients who underwent gait analysis had a heel-to-toe progression gait, and twelve achieved normal walking velocity with their shoes on. A plantigrade foot was achieved in each case, and only two patients had >5 degrees of residual deformity. During the Ilizarov treatment, forty-one minor complications (treated conservatively) and twenty major complications (treated surgically) occurred. After removal of the circular frame, seven other complications, which required four additional operations, occurred. In patients with a failed ankle fusion, infection, limb-length discrepancy, and foot deformity can be addressed simultaneously with use of the Ilizarov apparatus to achieve a solid union and a plantigrade foot, usually with a clinically satisfactory result.

Treatment of Nonunion of Humeral Shaft Fracture with Dynamic Compression Plate and Cancellous Bone Graft

This study was conducted to evaluate the treatment of aseptic nonunion of the humeral shaft with a dynamic compression plate (DCP) and cancellous bone graft. One hundred and five cases of nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture between 1982 and 2001 were analyzed retrospectively. The study population comprised 66 males and 39 females with an average age of 46.2 years (range, 17-81 years). Sixty-seven fractures were defined as atrophic nonunion, and 20 as hypertrophic nonunion, whereas 18 could not be defined clearly. All the fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixation with DCP and cancellous bone graft. The mean follow-up period was 20 months (range, 14-28 months). All nonunion fractures united within an average of 16 weeks (range, 10-26 weeks). Complications included 4 patients with temporary radial-nerve palsies, and 3 patients with wound infections. At the final follow-up, shoulder and elbow functions of the operated limbs were all satisfactory. Fixation by DCP with supplemental cancellous bone graft is a reliable and effective treatment for nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture.

Supramalleolar derotation osteotomy of the tibia, with T plate fixation

Torsional deformities of the tibia are common in children, but in the majority both the torsion and the associated disturbance of gait resolve without intervention. There are, however, a significant number of children and adults with neuromuscular disease who present with pathological tibial torsion, which may require surgical correction. We conducted a prospective study in two centres, to investigate the outcome of supramalleolar derotation osteotomy of the tibia, using internal fixation with the AO-ASIF T plate. A range of outcome variables was collected, prospectively, for 57 patients (91 osteotomies), including thigh foot angle, foot progression angle, post-operative complications and serial radiographs. Correction of thigh foot angle and foot progression angle was satisfactory in all patients. Three major complications were recorded; one aseptic nonunion, one fracture through the osteotomy site after removal of the plate and one distal tibial growth arrest. We found that supramalleolar derotation osteotomy of the tibia, with AO-ASIF T plate fixation is an effective method for the correction of torsional deformities of the tibia and the associated disturbances of gait in children and adults with neuromuscular disease, with a 5.3% risk of major complications.

Exchange Reamed Nailing for Aseptic Nonunion of the Tibia

Exchange reamed nailing of the tibia is a common procedure in the treatment of an aseptic tibial nonunion. However, reports in the literature supporting this technique are limited. Forty patients with a tibial nonunion after initial unreamed intramedullary nailing were retrospectively assessed after an exchange reamed nailing. The main outcome measurements included radiographic and clinical union as well as time from exchange reamed nailing to union. Thirty-eight patients achieved union of their fracture (95%). The average time from exchange nailing to union was 29 +/- 21 weeks. Complications included one deep vein thrombosis (2.5%) and two hardware failures (5%). Exchange reamed nailing for nonunions of the tibia results in a high union rate and is associated with a low complication rate. This technique is recommended as a standard procedure for aseptic tibial nonunions after initial unreamed intramedullary nailing.

Detection of bone fragments in pulmonary vessels following extracorporeal shock wave application to the distal femur in an in-vivo animal model

In urology, single cases of lethal pulmonary embolism following extracorporeal shock wave application to renal concrements have been reported. Therefore, lungs of rabbits were histopathologically investigated following extracorporeal shock wave application to the femur. In 8 mature Chinchilla-Bastard rabbits, shock wave application to one distal femur was performed with energy flux density of 0.9 mJ/mm2. In another 6 rabbits, sham-treatment (0 mJ/mm2) to one distal femur was performed. 6 weeks later, the animals were sacrificed and their lungs were blindly investigated by an independent pathologist. In 7 out of the 8 treated animals (0.9 mJ/mm2) but in none of the sham-treated controls, patchy discolorations of the surface of the lung were observed. Furthermore, in 6 out of the 8 treated animals but in none of the sham-treated controls, bony fragments with signs of resorption were observed in lung vessels. Application of extracorporeal shock waves with energy flux densities higher than 0.9 mJ/mm2 has been recommended in the literature for the treatment of aseptic non-unions. In this procedure, the possibility of the occurrence of bone fragments in the lung with the potential risk of pulmonary embolism should be regarded.

Femoral exchange nailing for aseptic non-union: not the end to all problems

We report the results of a single centre prospective study of exchange nailing for aseptic non-union of a femoral fracture. Eighteen patients with 19 aseptic femoral non-unions had exchange nailing performed in our institution. We collected data on mechanism of injury, original fracture type, and indication for exchange nailing, further surgery and major complications. In 11 non-unions (58%), the exchange nail procedure alone resulted in fracture union with a mean time to radiographic union of 9 months (range 3–24 months). The non-union did not heal in five patients, two patients developed an infected non-union, and one patient required dynamisation of the exchange nail. Fracture healing was eventually achieved in 18 non-unions (95%). Complications following exchange nailing occurred in 11 fractures (58%), in which further surgery was required (four repeat exchange nailings, two Ilizarov frame applications and five nail removals). The role of reamed exchange nailing in the treatment of femoral non-union needs to be re-evaluated. Although fracture healing is eventually achieved in most patients, a significant number of them required additional surgery to achieve union or to deal with complications arising from the exchange nailing.

Exchange nailing for aseptic nonunion of the femoral shaft.

Thirty-six nonunions of the femoral shaft were treated by closed removal of previous nails, reaming of marrow cavity as widely as possible, and reinsertion of stable intramedullary nail. Indications included femoral shaft aseptic nonunions with inserted intramedullary nail, nonunions with a radiolucent line, without segmental bony defects, and less than 1 cm shortening. They were followed up for a median of 2.9 (1-6) years. Thirty-three nonunions healed uneventfully within a median period of 4 (3-8) months. Except for three persistent nonunions, no other significant complications occurred.

Revision Ankle Arthrodesis

Between 1996 and 1999, we performed successful revision ankle arthrodesis for aseptic nonunion in 10 patients using external fixation with bone graft and an implantable bone stimulator. The etiology of the ankle arthrosis in the patients was post-traumatic in eight and rheumatologic in two. The average age of the patients was 54. On average, each patient had received 2.5 previous surgeries (range, 1 to 5) prior to the original fusion attempt. Fusion occurred in all 10 of these patients at an average of 12.8 weeks following revision (range, nine to 20 weeks). Complications occurred in two patients: one had a pin tract infection which resolved with local pin care and oral antibiotics; the second patient had a varus malalignment which was accommodated with orthotics. This patient also had a deep peroneal nerve neuropraxia which resolved with observation. We evaluated all 10 patients with clinical and radiographic examination, and determined their functional results for a duration of follow-up of 15 months (range, six to 36 months). Using a modification of the AOFAS ankle/hindfoot scoring system, the results were: three excellent, four good, two fair, and one poor. All but one of these patients were satisfied with the outcome of this procedure. Radiographic analysis supported good clinical alignment and solid fusion.

Humeral shaft nonunion: evaluation of uniform surgical repair in fifty-one patients.

To determine whether a standardized treatment of aseptic humeral shaft nonunions results in union after one operation without substantial complications. Retrospective study. University hospital. Between 1975 and 1998, fifty-eight patients sustained a humeral shaft fracture that resulted in an aseptic nonunion. Fifty-one patients between the ages of twenty-three and eighty-six years (mean 50.8 years) were included and evaluated. Surgical treatment consisted of an anterolateral approach with radial nerve identification and subsequent neurolysis, decortication, compression plating, and frequent application of autogenous bone grafts. No immobilization with brace or cast after treatment was functional. Success rate of nonunion repair, reinterventions, complications, range of motion, patient satisfaction. After one year, consolidation was apparent in all cases. All but two patients had an essentially normal range of motion of the shoulder and elbow, and 96 percent rated their result as excellent or good. After nonunion repair, two patients had a transient sensory neuropathy of the radial nerve. In one patient, a second intervention was needed after a fall from bed one week after the index operation. The results of this study indicate that our standard surgical procedure for treatment of nonunion of the humeral shaft is reliable and achieves consolidation in one procedure without significant complications.