Will a non union fracture ever heal?

Will a non union fracture ever heal?

A nonunion is a broken bone that has not healed. Most fractures—broken bones—will heal effectively with standard treatment in about 6 to 12 weeks. Between 5 and 10 percent, however, may fail to heal completely.

What is delayed union fracture?

A fracture in which the bone does produce new tissue but does so very slowly—over months—is called a delayed union. In some instances, the broken bone heals but may not be completely straight. This is called a malunited fracture.

Can a non union fracture heal on its own?

The pain from a nonunion may last months or even years if treatment is not sought. For a fracture to heal, the bone needs to be stabilized, usually with a cast or, in some cases, surgery is required to use plates, screws or nails to stabilize the bone. The bone also needs a steady blood supply.

How common is a non union fracture?

Despite the quality of care received at initial fracture treatment, as many as 20% of fractures may result in a malunion or nonunion.

Is a non union fracture serious?

As a result, the bone ends cannot contribute to new healing, and a nonunion is more likely. Without a good blood supply and growth of new blood vessels, no new bone will form and the fracture cannot readily heal.

Can you live with a non union fracture?

What is a “delayed union” of a fracture?

When a fractured bone is not healed and there is little chance it will heal without further surgery, the fracture is then considered to be a “nonunion”. A “Delayed Union” is different than a nonunion.

What causes delayed union of diaphyseal fractures?

Poor blood supply to the fracture zone is a common contributing cause of delayed union or nonunion. Blood supply to healthy, intact diaphyseal long bone is primarily from centrifugal flow outward from the intramedullary space [9]. The outer one third of bone is supplied by periosteal vasculature arising from the soft tissues surrounding the bone.

When is surgery indicated in the treatment of malunion?

If only minor improvements in alignment, limb length, and most importantly, limb function are anticipated, then the morbidity, risks, and costs of the procedure may preclude surgical treatment. When surgical treatment for malunion is indicated, a corrective osteotomy is usually performed at the point of maximal deformity.

How long does it take for a nonunion fracture to heal?

Depending on many factors, this can take as little as 4 weeks or as long as 6 months. When a fractured bone is not healed and there is little chance it will heal without further surgery, the fracture is then considered to be a “nonunion”. A “Delayed Union” is different than a nonunion.