[Non-union of fractures after osteomyelitis (author's transl)]

The authors have observed 50 cases of osteomyelitis complicated by un-united fractures. The sites affected were the tibia (25 cases), femur (8 cases), humerus (7 cases), forearm (5 cases), and 5 other sites. Treatment varied depending on whether the site was in a one-bone or two-bone segment. In one-bone segments, the main problem was shortening and loss of function. Deformity needs to be corrected and the site of the lesion stabilised and grafted. In two-bone segments, the main problem is deformity due to growth of the intact bone. Forearm lesions should be operated on in children but not in adults because of the capacity of the adult for functional adaptation. In the leg, tibio-fibular synostosis and transfer of the fibula to the tibia or other types of graft can be used. Bony union was always obtained, but often with severe sequelae.