[Formation of a single bone in the forearm in infected pseudoarthrosis of the proximal ulna].

PURPOSE: To present the successful results of the single-bone reconstruction technique in the forearm in a patient who sustained an ulnar fracture and underwent multiple osteosyntheses and failed grafts.

CASE: Male patient, agricultural worker, who at age 39 sustained a left ulnar fracture. After 13 years and 5 surgeries involving different types of osteosyntheses and failed grafts, which resulted in infection of the left ulnar pseudoarthrosis, we decided to do a single-bone reconstruction of the forearm. He did well and achieved good function. His current status is: 20° of forearm supination, full elbow and wrist flexion and extension, appropriate muscle strength, and he returned to his job without functional limitations.

CONCLUSION

The single-bone forearm reconstruction technique is, in properly selected cases, an excellent surgical alternative when reconstruction or salvage of the thoracic limb is required.