Abstract
Post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis is usually a real functional handicap. It can occur at any level between the elbow and the wrist and may be complete or incomplete.
A proximal synostosis can occur post fracture or distal biceps repair. Management always entails excision of the HO; however, there can be a recurrence of the HO. The risk of this can be lessened with perioperative radiotherapy, interposition between the resected osseous surfaces, and NSAIDs.
The anconeus can be mobilized as a vascular muscle pedicle flap, proximally or distally, and be interposed between the radius and ulna at the synostosis site. Postoperative management involves physiotherapy, a CPM machine, and rotation assist splints.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Vince KG, Miller JE. Cross-union complicating fracture of the forearm. Bone Joint Surg. 1987;69-A:640–53.
Jupiter JB, Ring D. Operative treatment of post-traumatic proximal radioulnar synostosis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1998;80:248–57.
Morrey BF, Askew LJ, Chao EY. A biomechanical study of normal functional elbow motion. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1981;63:872–7.
Daluiski A, Schreiber JJ, Paul S, Hotchkiss RN. Outcomes of anconeus interposition for proximal radioulnar synostosis. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2014;23:1882–7.
Schmidt CC, Kohut GN, Greenberg JA, Kann SE, Idler RS, Kiefhaber TR. The anconeus muscle flap: its anatomy and clinical application. J Hand Surg. 1999;24A:359–69.
Bell SN, Benger D. Management of radioulnar synostosis with mobilization, anconeus interposition, and a forearm rotation assist splint. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 1999;8:621–4.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2020 ISAKOS
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Bell, S. (2020). Radio Ulnar Synostosis. In: Bain, G., Eygendaal, D., van Riet, R. (eds) Surgical Techniques for Trauma and Sports Related Injuries of the Elbow. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58931-1_97
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58931-1_97
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-662-58930-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-662-58931-1
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)