Report and commentary upon a series of cases of ununited fracture

Abstract

A series of six cases of ununited fracture of the tibia and fibula is reported: each case history is followed by a short discussion of its particular features: the Commentary is a general review of the subject of ununited fracture.1. The most common cause of delayed union or nonunion is absence of complete and sufficiently prolonged immobilisation. Infection of the area of healing is also a common cause of delay.

2. The best treatment for delayed union is prolonged complete immobilisation, preceded by sequestrectomy if necessary.

3. The best treatment for non-union is drilling of the bone ends by Beck's method. If this fails, a sliding cortical graft is indicated.