The early diagnosis of non-union of fractures of the tibial shaft by osteomedullography.

Osteomedullography (osteomyelography) is a radiographic technique which demonstrates the intraosseous venous circulation. Its use in demonstrating the state of bone healing in fractures of the tibial shaft is described. Its importance lies in the fact that if, 3 months after the initial injury, there is doubt as to the state of union of the fracture, the information gained from osteomedullography allows an immediate decision as to the need for bone grafting. Twenty patients with fractures of the tibial shaft were studied. It was demonstrated that 14 patients had established non-union and 6 patients had delayed union.