Nonhealing Fractures (Nonunion)

Although most of the broken bones unite without any problem, there are cases wherein some may not heal even when after surgical or nonsurgical treatment. These fractures are termed as Nonhealing fractures.

Causes

• Inadequate blood supply to the operated bone, or a subsequent bone breakage from a traumatic injury .

Risk Factors of non-union

• Older age, smoking, tobacco addiction, diabetes, low vitamin D, poor nutrition, hypothyroidism etc.

Symptoms

• Long term pain that continues to occur months or years after the fracture.
•  The pain can be constant or occurs only when the broken arm or leg is used.

Treatment

• Some non-united fractures can be managed by non-surgical options like bone stimulator .