[Treatment of long tubular bone pseudoarthrosis with revascularized cortical layer of radius]

The method of osteogenesis without resection of the false joint was employed in the treatment of long tubular bone pseudarthrosis. The authors used a free revascularized radial flap, including the corticoperiosteal layer of the radius as a source of osteogenesis. A thin corticoperiosteal graft was taken from the distal third of the radius with or without a skin flap, if necessary. The graft was placed into the slotted bed of the false joint and fixed by two screws. Final fixation was made by using an Ilizarov apparatus or a metal plate. The authors used this procedure in the treatment of 12 patients with long tubular bone pseudarthrosis who had undergone at two operations on the false joint or fracture. Eight patients suffered from chronic osteomyelitis. Eleven patients completely recovered at postoperative month 12. Radiographic and scintigraphic investigations showed signs of bed-graft adhesion at month 3 after surgery and those of false joint ossification at month 6 postoperatively.