Compression treatment of long bone pseudarthroses.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Non-union and delayed union fractures pose significant challenges in orthopedic treatment.
• Pseudarthrosis requires effective therapeutic strategies to restore bone integrity and function.
• Traditional methods often involve prolonged immobilization and bone grafting, with varying success rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of rigid fixation with Swiss compression plates for treating non-union and delayed union fractures.
• To assess the outcomes of non-resection techniques in pseudarthrosis treatment.
• To determine the success rate of compression plating in infected fracture cases.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 122 cases of non-union and delayed union fractures treated with rigid fixation using Swiss compression plates.
• Comparison of outcomes between cases treated with and without bone grafts and pseudarthrosis resection.
• Inclusion of cases with infected fractures and those requiring external fixation.
• Emphasis on early active exercises and delayed weight-bearing protocols.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 92.6% success rate with the first operation in treating non-union and delayed union fractures.
• Non-resection of pseudarthrosis did not negatively impact healing time or rate in 50% of cases.
• 83% of infected cases healed successfully with compression plate fixation.
• Early mobilization and delayed weight-bearing resulted in significant functional recovery.

Conclusions:

• Rigid fixation with Swiss compression plates is a highly effective treatment for non-union and delayed union fractures.
• Non-resection and bone grafting can be avoided in select cases without compromising healing.
• The compression method of rigid fixation is a valuable adjunct in pseudarthrosis therapy, promoting excellent functional outcomes.