Intraoperative distraction in the treatment of complex nonunions of the radius

Two unique cases of complex nonunions of the radius are presented. Each was characterized by bone loss, disruption of the distal radioulnar joint, and loss of axial alignment. Indirect reduction and lengthening of the radius were accomplished intraoperatively with the use of a femoral distractor, and the nonunion was treated with autogenous iliac crest graft and a long AO/ASIF dynamic compression plate. A functional result occurred in each case.