Nonunion: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Nonunion | |||
| image = [[File:Nonunion.jpg]] | |||
| caption = X-ray showing a nonunion of a fractured bone | |||
| field = [[Orthopedic surgery]] | |||
| synonyms = Pseudarthrosis | |||
| symptoms = Persistent pain, swelling, and instability at the fracture site | |||
| complications = [[Chronic pain]], [[deformity]], [[arthritis]] | |||
| onset = Months after initial fracture | |||
| duration = Long-term if untreated | |||
| causes = Inadequate stabilization, poor blood supply, infection, [[smoking]], [[diabetes]] | |||
| risks = [[Osteoporosis]], [[obesity]], [[malnutrition]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[X-ray]], [[CT scan]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Delayed union]], [[malunion]] | |||
| prevention = Adequate fracture stabilization, healthy lifestyle | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical intervention]], [[bone grafting]], [[electrical bone stimulation]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on treatment and patient factors | |||
| frequency = Occurs in 5-10% of fractures | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Scaphoid-Pseudarthrose1.jpg|Scaphoid Pseudarthrose|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Nonunion''' is a serious complication of a fracture and is said to occur when a fracture does not heal within six months of the injury. The main symptom is persistent pain at the site of the fracture. Nonunion is more likely to occur if the bone is exposed to infection or if the fracture is open with extensive soft tissue damage. | '''Nonunion''' is a serious complication of a fracture and is said to occur when a fracture does not heal within six months of the injury. The main symptom is persistent pain at the site of the fracture. Nonunion is more likely to occur if the bone is exposed to infection or if the fracture is open with extensive soft tissue damage. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The most common causes of nonunion are poor blood supply to the area around the fracture, infection, and inadequate immobilization of the fracture site. Other factors that can contribute to nonunion include smoking, diabetes, and certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. | The most common causes of nonunion are poor blood supply to the area around the fracture, infection, and inadequate immobilization of the fracture site. Other factors that can contribute to nonunion include smoking, diabetes, and certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Nonunion is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. The doctor will ask about the patient's medical history and symptoms, and will examine the fracture site. Imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the bones and surrounding tissues, and can help the doctor determine whether the fracture has healed properly. | Nonunion is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. The doctor will ask about the patient's medical history and symptoms, and will examine the fracture site. Imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the bones and surrounding tissues, and can help the doctor determine whether the fracture has healed properly. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The treatment for nonunion depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as bone stimulation or medication may be effective. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This can involve the use of metal plates, screws, or rods to hold the bones in place, and bone grafting to replace missing or damaged bone. | The treatment for nonunion depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as bone stimulation or medication may be effective. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This can involve the use of metal plates, screws, or rods to hold the bones in place, and bone grafting to replace missing or damaged bone. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventing nonunion involves managing the risk factors that can contribute to the condition. This includes quitting smoking, controlling diabetes, and avoiding certain medications if possible. It also involves proper care and management of fractures, including adequate immobilization and treatment of any infections. | Preventing nonunion involves managing the risk factors that can contribute to the condition. This includes quitting smoking, controlling diabetes, and avoiding certain medications if possible. It also involves proper care and management of fractures, including adequate immobilization and treatment of any infections. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Fracture]] | * [[Fracture]] | ||
| Line 18: | Line 34: | ||
* [[Bone healing]] | * [[Bone healing]] | ||
* [[Bone fracture]] | * [[Bone fracture]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic complications]] | [[Category:Orthopedic complications]] | ||
[[Category:Bone fractures]] | [[Category:Bone fractures]] | ||
[[Category:Medical terminology]] | [[Category:Medical terminology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:24, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Nonunion | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Pseudarthrosis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Persistent pain, swelling, and instability at the fracture site |
| Complications | Chronic pain, deformity, arthritis |
| Onset | Months after initial fracture |
| Duration | Long-term if untreated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Inadequate stabilization, poor blood supply, infection, smoking, diabetes |
| Risks | Osteoporosis, obesity, malnutrition |
| Diagnosis | X-ray, CT scan, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Delayed union, malunion |
| Prevention | Adequate fracture stabilization, healthy lifestyle |
| Treatment | Surgical intervention, bone grafting, electrical bone stimulation |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on treatment and patient factors |
| Frequency | Occurs in 5-10% of fractures |
| Deaths | N/A |
Nonunion is a serious complication of a fracture and is said to occur when a fracture does not heal within six months of the injury. The main symptom is persistent pain at the site of the fracture. Nonunion is more likely to occur if the bone is exposed to infection or if the fracture is open with extensive soft tissue damage.
Causes[edit]
The most common causes of nonunion are poor blood supply to the area around the fracture, infection, and inadequate immobilization of the fracture site. Other factors that can contribute to nonunion include smoking, diabetes, and certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids.
Diagnosis[edit]
Nonunion is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. The doctor will ask about the patient's medical history and symptoms, and will examine the fracture site. Imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the bones and surrounding tissues, and can help the doctor determine whether the fracture has healed properly.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for nonunion depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as bone stimulation or medication may be effective. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This can involve the use of metal plates, screws, or rods to hold the bones in place, and bone grafting to replace missing or damaged bone.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing nonunion involves managing the risk factors that can contribute to the condition. This includes quitting smoking, controlling diabetes, and avoiding certain medications if possible. It also involves proper care and management of fractures, including adequate immobilization and treatment of any infections.
