[Intramedullary osteosynthesis for treatment of pseudarthrosis]

The main causes of long bone fractures healing complications are: insufficient vascularisation of the bone fragments and excessive movement in the fracture site. Intramedullary osteosynthesis preceded by intramedullary reaming (internal decortication) ensure refreshing of the bone ends and a good mechanical stabilisation in cases with pseudoarthroses. Long bone fractures healing complications occurring during either conservative or operative treatment can be treated using this method. Intramedullary nailing with reaming usually suffices in the treatment of pseudoarthroses of the lower extremity. Weight bearing stimulates metaplasia of connective tissue into bone. Lack of dynamic compression in the upper extremity requires intramedullary nailing to be supplemented by interlocking of the nail and open external decortication of the fracture site. Several cases of pseudoarthoses treated with intramedullary osteosynthesis are presented.