[Post-traumatic radio-ulnar synostoses in childhood]

This article reports on five children treated surgically during 1973-1975 for posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis. The synostoses had developed as a complication after a proximal radial fracture. Lesion of the proximal ulna plays an important part in creating such an osseous union. Another factor of equal importance is the traumatization of the tissues during surgical treatment of the fracture, especially if debris of the periosteum and fine bone fragments additionally enter into the space between radius and ulna. Formation of excess callus, and hence synostosis, is also promoted if repositioning or re-repositioning of a proximal radial fracture is effected too late. The article presents the technique of surgical treatment of proximal radioulnar synostosis with Lyodura sheathing. Follow-up examination of the five children during an observation period of five years showed good results in two children, a moderate result in one, and poor results of surgery in two cases. Improved results may be expected from further improvement of the surgical method, such as resection of the bicipital tuberosity (tuberositas radii) or from additional partial sheathing of the ulna at the side facing the radius.