INTRODUCTIONGiant cell tumours of the bone are aggressive and potentially malignant lesions. Juxtaarticular giant cell tumours of the lower end radius are common and present a special problem of reconstruction after tumour excision. Out of the various reconstructive procedures described, non-vascularised fibular autograft has been widely used with satisfactory functional results.

MATERIALS AND METHODSTen patients with a mean age of 33.4 years, with either Campanacci grade II or III histologically proven giant cell tumours of lower end radius were treated with wide excision and reconstruction with ipsilateral non-vascularised proximal fibular autograft. Host graft junction was fixed with dynamic compression plate (DCP) in all cases. Wrist ligament reconstruction and fixation of the head of the fibula with carpal bones and distal end of the ulna using K-wires and primary cancellous iliac crest grafting at graft host junction was done in all cases.

RESULTSThe follow-up ranged from 30 to 60 months (mean, 46.8). At last follow-up, the average combined range of motion was 100.5 degrees with range varying from 60 degrees to 125 degrees. The average union time was 7 months (range, 4 to 12). Non-union occurred in 1 case. Graft resorption occurred in another case. Localised soft tissue recurrence occurred in another case after 3 years and was treated by excision. There was no case of graft fracture, metastasis, death, local recurrence or significant donor site morbidity. A total of 3 secondary procedures were required.

CONCLUSIONSEnbloc resection of giant cell tumours of the lower end radius is a widely accepted method. Reconstruction with non-vascularised fibular graft, internal fixation with DCP with primary corticocancellous bone grafting with transfixation of the fibular head and wrist ligament reconstruction minimises the problem and gives satisfactory functional results.

Adult ; Bone Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Female ; Fibula ; surgery ; transplantation ; Giant Cell Tumor of Bone ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Ilium ; surgery ; transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orthopedic Procedures ; methods ; Prospective Studies ; Radius ; pathology ; surgery ; Transplantation, Autologous

INTRODUCTIONThe failure of a humeral fracture to unite after surgical treatment may be due to many factors. When there are additional complications of infection, treatment by conventional methods of internal fixation becomes very difficult.

MATERIALS AND METHODSWe treated 8 infected non-union of diaphyseal fracture of the humerus by the Orthofix external fixator. All had previous surgical treatment. Non-union followed plating in 6 cases and in 2 cases after the external fixator. All patients had pain, at least one sinus discharging pus and severe functional impairment of the affected arm. There were 6 men and 2 women with a mean age 40.6 years.

RESULTSBone union was achieved in all cases. The mean time to union was 4.5 months (range, 2 to 8). Patients expressed high levels of satisfaction with the outcome, despite relatively modest improvement in pain and function, mainly because of long standing infection and intractable non-union. There were no major pin tract problems requiring the removal of the Schanz screws. Radial nerve palsy developed in 1 patient who recovered spontaneously. No patient required an additional bone grafting procedure.

CONCLUSIONThe use of the Orthofix external fixator without bone grafting was successful in the treatment of infected non-union of the humeral shaft. It shortened the duration of hospitalisation and immobilisation with moderate functional recovery.

Adult ; Bacterial Infections ; complications ; External Fixators ; Female ; Fractures, Ununited ; complications ; surgery ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures ; complications ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Failure ; Young Adult