The use of tensor fascia lata interposition grafts for the treatment of posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis.
OBJECTIVE
There is no agreement on the ideal treatment of traumatic radioulnar synostosis, especially the type of interposition material to be used. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with synostosis resection and interposition of tensor fascia lata grafts.


METHODS
A chart review was conducted for all patients treated for posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis between 2000 and 2004. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, length of time to synostosis resection, range-of-motion, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications were analyzed.


RESULTS
Thirteen patients were identified for this study. The mean preoperative pronation was 14 degrees and the mean postoperative pronation was 62 degrees. The mean preoperative supination was 4 degrees and the mean postoperative supination was 62 degrees. The mean follow-up time was 30 months.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that synostosis resection with tensor fascia lata graft interposition is an effective technique for the treatment of posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis.


METHODS
Therapeutic, Level IV.
Friedrich
Jeffrey B
JB
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
Hanel
Douglas P
DP
Chilcote
Heather
H
Katolik
Leonid I
LI
D000328:Adult; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011884:Radius; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013580:Synostosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014457:Ulna