Posttraumatic Radioulnar Synostosis: A Retrospective Case Series of 10 patients in Kuwait.

BACKGROUND: The development of radioulnar synostosis secondary to posttraumatic injuries to the elbow or forearm can lead to debilitating outcomes. Several treatment options are available to hinder the progression and prevent reoccurrence. The authors used a combination of these treatments on a series of patients and observed the outcomes.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 10 patients with posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis (9 males and 1 female) that required surgical intervention in a tertiary orthopedic center. All of these patients were subjected to the same treatment combination (preoperative radiotherapy, tissue interposition post heterotopic ossification resection and adjuvant indomethacin Postoperatively). Improvement in range of motion (flexion, extension, and rotation) and Mayo score was performed and compared pre- and postoperatively via statistical analysis.

RESULTS: In comparison to their preoperative state that ranged from fair to poor, all 10 patients reported excellent Mayo score results post intervention with triple therapy combination with a mean of 36 ± 10.2 points. Flexion, extension, and rotation scores improved with means of 55.2° ± 38.7, 50.2° ± 34.0, and 47.9° ± 40.0, respectively. We had one complication that has subsided on follow-up.

CONCLUSION: The triple therapy combination has been noted to provide good functional and prophylactic results preventing recurrence.