Synostosis of the radius and ulna following fracture is relatively uncommon.The incidence is between 2-6% of the fractures. Very badly comminuted fractures occurring at the same level are at higher risk of developing this complication.me level. A greater association of this complication has been noted in patients who had crushed injury of forearm or there was an associated head injury.
Proximal fractures of forearm bones treated with one incision are more prone.
Because synostosis causes a bony bridge between radius and ulna it causes loss of rotation movements of forearm.
Xray would reveal bone formation between the two bones.
There are many treatments which have been reported but the principle basicalyy involves resection of a posttraumatic synostosis and early mobilization.
The treatment is likely to be more successful if there are no problems with soft tissue healing or infection and that the patient can actively participate in early rehabilitation. The surgical approach to the synostosis is varies depending on the location and extent of the synostosis.
Indomethacin 25 mg three times a day, to be taken with meals for 3 weeks is thought to control reformation of the bone. Active range of motion exercises is started within 24-48 hours. While rest a splint is used which is continued for 6 week.
The results vary from patient to patient.
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