Clinical and roentgenographic evaluation of nonunion of the forearm in relation to treatment with D.C. electrical stimulation.
A total of 50 nonunions of the forearm bones in 42 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 35.6 years, with the majority secondary to motor vehicle accidents. Five of the nine identified infections were due to primary closure of the initial open fracture. The middle third of the forearm was the most common site of the nonunion. The majority (96%) had significant displacement on the original roentgenograms. Open fractures were more apt to develop nonunions. A gap produced a significant therapeutic challenge and we conclude such are best managed with a bone graft. If a compression plate is applied in the presence of comminution, a bone graft is indicated. The overall success rate with 3 months of D.C. electrical stimulation in the absence of a gap or infection was 80.0%. This compares favorably with time-honored bone graft surgery for nonunion.
D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011884:Radius / Q000293:injuries*; D014457:Ulna / Q000293:injuries*