Küntscher intramedullary reaming and nail fixation for nonunion of the forearm

Twenty cases of nonunion of forearm fractures were treated by the Küntscher method of intramedullary reaming and nailing. Fifteen fractures healed per primam; 2 required renailing; 2 did not heal but the patients benefited from the stabilizing effect of the nail; 1 was lost to follow-up. Even infected cases could be treated successfully by this method, but extensive experience with all the details of the surgical technique may constitute the difference between catastrophic failure and success. Excision of sinus tracts and sequestrectomy were done as a preliminary procedure.