Management of forearm nonunions: Current concepts

Abstract

Forearm nonunions are uncommon but severely disabling and challenging to treat. Multiple factors have been associated with the establishment of forearm nonunions such as fracture location and complexity, patient characteristics and surgical technique. Treatment of diaphyseal forearm nonunions differs from that of other type of diaphyseal nonunions because of the intimate relationship between the radius and ulna and their reciprocal movement. There is a wide variation of surgical techniques, and the optimal choice of management remains subject to debate. In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence in the literature on forearm nonunions and combine it with practical recommendations based on our clinical experience to help guide the management of this complex problem. © 2011 The Author(s).