Pseudoarthrosis of the ulna in neurofibromatosis

Summary

Four children suffering from neurofibromatosis with ulnar pseudarthrosis and progressive reabsorption of the middle and distal thirds of the ulna are reported. None had any pain or sensory loss, but all had progressive deformity of the forearm. Instability of the elbow and wrist were present in three cases, while one case showed good stability and function. A cross-union of the ulna with the radius to produce a one-bone forearm was accomplished using screw fixation and iliac bone grafting, and a one-bone forearm was achieved in three cases. Non-operative management was decided on in the patient with slow ulna reabsorption. The creation of a one-bone forearm is more likely to produce sound union, thus avoiding the need for further operations, while conservative management should be reserved for patients with a slowly progressive condition.