Pseudarthrosis of the radius associated with neurofibromatosis. A case report

A seven-year-old-boy with neurofibromatosis developed pseudarthrosis of the radius. After treatment by external electrical stimulation of the forearm failed, the pseudarthrosis was excised and the proximal and distal ends of the radius were osteotomized. The bone segments were reversed to correct the deformity and to place bone adjacent to the pseudarthrosis in contact with normal bone. This operation has not been described previously for this condition and, as in all previous reports, failed to produce union. Surprisingly, the excised pseudarthrosis showed no histologic evidence of neurofibroma or impaired osteoblastic function. The surrounding soft tissues may play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of the condition.