Clinical and Roentgenographic Evaluation of Nonunion of the Forearm in Relation to Treatment with D.C. Electrical Stimulation

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Abstract
A total of 50 nonunions of the forearm bones in 42 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 35.6 yr, with the majority secondary to motor vehicle accidents. Five of the 9 identified infections were due to primary closure of the initial open fracture. The middle 3rd of the forearm was the most common site of the nonunion. The majority (96%) had significant displacement on the original roentgenograms. Open fractures were more apt to develop nonunions. A gap produced a significant therapeutic challenge and such are best managed with a bone graft. If a compression plate is applied in the presence of comminution, a bone graft is indicated. The overall success rate with 3 mo. of D.C. electrical stimulation in the absence of a gap or infection was 80.0%. This compares favorably with time-honored bone graft surgery for nonunion.

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