Post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis.

There is a paucity of data about post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis, an unusual but serious complication of forearm fractures. Treatment methods have included excision of the synostosis with interposition of soft tissue or synthetic material, excision of the proximal radius, insertion of a screw to distract the radius from the ulna, and a rotational osteotomy of the radius to improve function. In the case of a 28-year-old woman, the treatment was excision of the synostosis, obliteration of the dead space with muscle, prevention of hematoma formation, and early mobilization. The result was an active range of motion of 80 degrees pronation and 60 degrees supination.