[Repair of refractory bone nonunion in the distal humerus].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of microsurgical repair of refractory bone defects and nonunion in distal humerus.

METHODS

Twelve cases of bone defects and nonunion in distal humerus were repaired with free vascularised fibular graft and fixed with the anatomical bone plate. Of the 12 cases, 8 had pseudarthrosis, and 4 had bone defects 3-5 cm. Fibular graft ranged from 5-15 cm, 8.5 cm in average.

RESULTS

After a follow-up of 3-18 months, 8.5 months in average, all cases of free vascularised fibular graft healed within 3-8 months. The fibular graft thickened as time passed. Normal recessive osseous elbow joint, improvement in the inflection and extension of elbow joint, and normal revolving of forearm were attained. The short of limbs were corrected. Satisfactory functions of supporting and fine operation were attained.

CONCLUSION

With the support of anatomical bone plate, the fibular graft can help the recovery of joint function and repair bone defects and nonunion as to avoid joint replacement with prosthesis.