Treatment of distal radius fracture nonunion with posterior interosseous bone flap

Abstract EN

Background : Nonunion of distal radius fractures is disabling.

Treatment is difficult and the results are not predictable.

However, posterior interosseous bone flap (PIBF) has been successful in treating forearm nonunion.

Objectives : To treat distal radius fracture nonunion with PIBF as a new procedure.

Patients and Methods : This prospective non-randomized cohort study was performed at two hospitals in Tehran between January 2011 and September 2015.

PIBFs were applied in nine patients (10 nonunions) with a mean age of 55 years.

Union success rate, grip strength, wrist range of motion, and forearm rotation were then evaluated.

Results: Although four of the patients had a history of infection, all participants achieved fracture union at a mean time of 3.8 months.

Grip strength improved by 12.4 kg.

There was also 36° improvement in wrist flexion, 20° improvement in wrist extension, 60° improvement in forearm supination, and 46° improvement in forearm pronation.

The range of motion and grip strength improvements were significant.

Conclusions : Pedicled PIBF is a new option for treating distal radius fracture nonunion.

The results are predictable in achieving union and good function, and this technique can be successfully used in cases with extensive soft-tissue damage or infection.