The treatment of non-union and pseudarthrosis of the long bones with thick nails

Abstract

This paper is based on Küntscher's method of operative treatment of the long bones (Küntscher, 1962) and is a review of 197 cases of non-union and pseudarthrosis of long bones fixed internally with thick metal nails after preliminary reaming of the medullary canal. New reamers and a new nail have been designed and the results are satisfactory. The rigid fixation of the fragments allowed early movement of the limb and so avoided the complications of prolonged immobilization. Anabolic steroids were administered as a routine to this group of patients. Weight bearing and full function of the limb were regained within 3-5 months of the operation. Poor results occurred in 6 cases (3.2 per cent) due to exacerbation of chronic osteomyelitis. © 1979.