What is a non-union?

Some broken bones do not heal even when they get the best surgical or nonsurgical treatment. In some cases, certain risk factors make it more likely that a bone will fail to heal. When a broken bone fails to heal it is called a “nonunion.” A “delayed union” is when a fracture takes longer than usual to heal.

Will a non-union eventually heal?

After a bone breaks, modern treatment allows almost all to heal completely. In rare cases, however, a fracture does not heal, resulting in a nonunion. In other cases, the fracture takes far longer to heal than usual, which is called a delayed union.

How long can a non-union take to heal?

What is a Nonunion? Most fractured bones in adults heal within 3-6 months. A nonunion, is when a bone has not healed within 6-9 months.

What is hypertrophic non-union?

Hypertrophic non-union Callus is formed, but the bone fractures have not joined. This can be due to inadequate fixation of the fracture, and treated with rigid immobilisation.

What’s the difference between delayed union and nonunion?

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 does nonunion mean in medical terms?

A nonunion is a broken bone that doesn’t heal. Learn about what causes it, which bone fractures are most susceptible, and how it can be treated.

What does it mean to have a nonunion fracture?

Inadequate stabilization of the fracture : Stabilization is one of the key parts of treating broken bones. If the fracture wasn’t able to be set properly, a nonunion might result. Sometimes a cast is not enough, and the fracture must be stabilized with screws, rods, plates, etc.

Is there a partial union of the scaphoid?

At first, there appeared to be partial union on the side nearest the capitate. Further explo- ration revealed fibrous union right across the scaphoid, but with a step in it. 500 THE JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY VOL. 21B No. 4 AUGUST 1996 was done, I tbund that the non-union line had an angle in it and, in fact, continued right across the scaphoid.