[Radio-ulnar bridge callus following osteosynthesis of forearm fractures]

137 patients with forearm fractures and internal plate fixation were investigated for postoperative radio-ulnar synostosis. 10 patients (7.3%) developed such a complication, 7 after complete, 3 after either ulnar or radial lesion. Of 73 patients with complete forearm fractures, 50 had separate incisions, and developed radio-ulnar synostosis only secondary to severe soft tissue injury. Of 12 other patients, by contrast, who were operated on for radial and ulnar plate fixation via one common incision (Boyd's approach), synostosis occurred in 5. After isolated ulnar fractures in 32 cases, synostosis was seen in two cases - in one after severe soft tissue injury, in the other after a modified Boyd's approach. Only one patient with isolated and open fracture of the radius presented later with radio-ulnar synostosis.