Management of Infected Nonunion of the Forearm by the Masquelet Technique

PURPOSE: Infected nonunion of the forearm bones is a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon on several fronts. The forearm itself is unique as the difficulties include the relation between restoration of shaft length with the anatomy and long-term functional outcome of adjacent joints, and the risk of elbow and wrist stiffness related to prolonged immobilization. The problem of infection is complex due to the presence of bone necrosis, segmental bone loss, sinus tract formation, fracture instability, and scar adhesion of the soft tissues. The ideal management method for these situations is still debated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the two-stage-induced membrane technique devised by Alain Masquelet for the management of these infected nonunion of 12 forearm bones. RESULTS: All 12 bones united uneventfully. The bones united in a period ranging from 6 to 12 months with a mean of 7.8 months. CONCLUSION: Our results show that this technique addresses several of the challenges pertinent to the forearm nonunion simultaneously and results are uniformly predictable. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Dhar SA, Dar TA, Mir NA. Management of Infected Nonunion of the Forearm by the Masquelet Technique. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2019;14(1):1–5.