title: Pseudarthrosis of the forearm bones. (Clinical and radiographic survey of 112 operated cases).
abstract: There are two aims in the surgery of pseudarthrosis in the forearm; consolidation of the fracture, and restoration of function as nearly normal as possible in a part of the musculo-skeletal system which is mechanically controlled by extremely delicate, interdependent, structural units. These aims are, of course, the same as those in the treatment of fresh fractures. The following conclusions emerge from a clinical and radiographic study of 112 operated cases: (a) Sherman's plate has been shown to be an ideal means of synthesis, because of its metallurgical and physical qualities, which enable it to adapt excellently to an irregular bone surface. (b) Plate fixation is supplemented by an appositional cortical transplant. This also plays a definite mechanical role, both because of the firm grip that it affords to the screws when the bone stumps are atrophic, which they often are, and because it is isoelastic with the recipient's tissue. Two cortical grafts are sometimes used instead of a plate and graft. (c) The best functional results are obtained when the leverage of the forearm has been anatomically restored.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001860:Bone Plates; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000601:surgery*