Nonunion of Fractures of the Ulna and Radius Diaphyses: Clinical and Radiological Results of Surgical Treatment

Aseptic nonunion of the radius and ulna is a major complication of forearm fractures, accounting for 2% to 10% of all forearm fractures. The aim of our study is to evaluate the functional and radiological results of surgical treatment of diaphyseal aseptic nonunion of the radius and ulna, with autologous bone grafting, decortication and internal plate fixation. A series of 21 patients (26 nonunions) was retrospectively reviewed, the average age was 35 years with a mean of 31,58 years (range 12-44 years). The fractures included isolated radius (n=6) and ulna (n=10), and both radius and ulna (n=5). The Grace and Eversmann score was used to evaluate our results. Fifteen had very good results, five good and one average. Consolidation of the two bones was attained in 6.2 months. Therefore, the functional prognosis of the upper limb imposes the need for an adequate treatment. This management strategy has enabled us to have satisfactory results. However, the best treatment of nonunion remains the preventive treatment with an optimal management and care of the forearm fractures.

[Surgical treatment of acral melanoma: a report of eight cases]

Acral melanoma represents 3 to 15% of all cutaneous melanoma. In Morocco, this location is predominant. Through our study, we intend to analyze the therapeutic aspects of acral melanoma, while focusing on the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and prognostic profile of acral melanoma cases listed in osteoarticular surgery department of the CHU Hassan II of Fez in the period from January 2009 to December 2012. The mean age of the patients was 63 years, with slight predominance of women. The most commonly involved location was plantar region (including the heel) and pigmented color was the most common. The concept of micro trauma was found in almost half of our patients. Plantar localization was the most commun lesion. Inguinal lymph nodes attended three patients and one patient had deep lymph nodes. Only one of them had a lymphadenectomy. Nodular melanoma os the most found histological type in our study with a Breslow thickness of 8.5mm on average, and Clark level IV is found in the majority of cases. Excision of the tumour was performed in all patients. It was estimated wide in all cases. Five patients received reparative surgery consisting of flap coverage. This study has proved a high incidence of poor prognostic factors clinically and histologically.