Abstract
Purpose: To study the results of treatment of symptomatic non-union with endoprosthesis at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
Methods: Between 1987 & 2005, 17patients were treated with massive endoprosthesis for non-union. We performed a retrospective review of these case notes
Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 63years (range 36–86). Location of non-union was distal femur in 9, proximal femur in 4, proximal humerus in 2, proximal tibia in 1, distal humerus in 1. The majority of the patients had received prior multiple operations before endoprosthetic surgery.
Four patients had obvious infection confirmed by histology and/or microbiology prior to surgery. Endoprosthetic Reconstruction was performed as a 1 stage procedure in 13 and as a 2 stage in 4.
Complications occurred in 5 patients. These included recurrence of infection in 1, persistent pain in 1, aseptic loosening in 1, periprosthetic fracture in 1 and a non ST myocardial infarction in 1. At the last follow-up, (mean 5years, range 1–18years) majority of patients achieved good range of motion and good mobility.
Conclusion: We conclude that endoprosthetic replacement is a reasonable option for treatment of end-stage non-union in carefully selected patients. Adequate mobility and function can be achieved in majority of patients following such treatment
The abstracts were prepared by Mrs Leslie O’Leary. Correspondence should be addressed to her at British Orthopaedic Association, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE or at l.oleary@boa.ac.uk
