Adult post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis

Abstract

Post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis is a rare complication of forearm fracture. Resulting in loss of forearm axial rotation, it is functionally very disabling. The surgical indication, timing of operation, surgical technique, interest and type of adjuvant treatment are all issues with which physicians managing radioulnar synostosis must deal. No therapeutic consensus yet exists, but a wide variety of surgical techniques and adjuvant treatments are suggested. A literature review sought to identify risk factors for synostosis, with a view to prevention and determining a suitable therapeutic attitude in the light of existing data.