What is malunion and nonunion?

A malunion occurs when a fractured bone heals in an abnormal position, which can lead to impaired function of the bone or limb and make it look like it is 'bent'. Similarly, a nonunion is the result of a fractured bone failing to heal after an extended period of time – in some cases over a period of 9 to 12 months.

What is nonunion of bone?

Nonunion and malunion fractures are identified with defective healing: nonunion describes the failure of a fractured bone to heal and mend after an extended period of time; malunion refers to a fracture that has healed in a deformed position, or with shortening or rotation of the limb.

What causes malunion?

What causes malunions? A malunion in adults can happen due to not seeking treatment soon enough (or at all), inadequate immobilization in the cast, premature cast removal and weight bearing, or ineffective surgical internal or external fixation to correct the fracture.

What happens in malunion?

After a bone is broken (fractured), the body will start the healing process. If the two ends of the broken bone are not lined up properly, the bone can heal with a deformity called a malunion. A malunion fracture occurs when a large space between the displaced ends of the bone have been filled in by new bone.

What does malunion look like?

Signs and symptoms

Malunions are presented by excessive swelling, twisting, bending, and possibly shortening of the bone. Patients may have trouble placing weight on or near the malunion.

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Who is at risk for malunion?

Malunion and nonunion risk factors include: Tobacco use. Obesity. Diabetes or other medical issues.

How do you know if you have malunion?

What is the meaning of malunion?

A malunion occurs when a fractured bone heals in an abnormal position, which can lead to impaired function of the bone or limb and make it look like it is 'bent'. Similarly, a nonunion is the result of a fractured bone failing to heal after an extended period of time – in some cases over a period of 9 to 12 months.

How is a nonunion fracture treated?

Most nonunions require surgery. Surgical treatment of nonunion is usually focused on three goals: Establishing a healthy vascular area of bone and soft tissue around the fracture site. This is accomplished by removal of any poorly dead bone or poorly vascularized tissue or scar from the fracture site.

What does a nonunion fracture feel like?

Common symptoms of a nonunion fracture include pain, swelling, tenderness, deformity, and the inability to bear weight despite sufficient time since the break. There is a timeframe for fracture healing, and patients with a nonunion may continue to experience symptoms after several weeks.

When is a fracture considered nonunion?

Nonunion of bone is the body's inability to heal a fracture. The most agreed-upon standard definition of nonunion made by the FDA is a fracture that persists for a minimum of 9 months without signs of healing for three months.

How can you prevent malunion?

Is malunion a complication?

Malunion and nonunion fractures are two types of bone healing complications. These can often occur as a result of a significant trauma. These complex fractures make restoring function after injury a challenge.

Can you live with a malunion fracture?

With proper treatment, many malunion fractures are able to heal correctly. Depending on the location and severity of the break, you may require physical therapy to regain muscle strength, range of motion and function.

What does nonunion mean in medical terms?

Nonunion is permanent failure of healing following a broken bone unless intervention (such as surgery) is performed.

What are the 5 stages of bone healing?

Is a non union fracture serious?

What Is a Fracture Nonunion? 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.

Can a non union heal without surgery?

Some nonunions can be treated nonsurgically. The most common nonsurgical treatment is a bone stimulator. This small device delivers ultrasonic or pulsed electromagnetic waves that stimulate healing The patient places the stimulator on the skin over the nonunion from 20 minutes to several hours daily.

Can non union bones heal?

A non-union fracture, also known as a non-healing fracture, occurs when a broken or fractured bone does not heal.

Can you walk on a nonunion fibula fracture?

Because the fibula is not a weight-bearing bone, your doctor might allow you walk as the injury recovers. You also might be advised to use crutches, avoiding weight on the leg, until the bone heals because of the fibula's role in ankle stability.

What is a Pott's fracture?

A Pott's fracture is a fracture affecting one or both of the malleoli. During activities such as landing from a jump (volleyball, basketball) or when rolling an ankle, a certain amount of stress is placed on the tibia and fibula and the ankle joint.

How does a doctor re break a bone?

Dr.

So we typically will do an osteotomy, or we cut the bone or re-break the bone as people will typically say, and we'll realign it and fix it there with plate and screws or a rod down the middle of the bone.

Is malunion a disability?

Malunions refer to when a broken bone, with or without surgery, remains in a crooked position after healing. Many times, this crooked and inappropriately healed bone can lead to functional disability and overall pain and deformity. Nonunions refer to when a fractured bone fails to heal.

Is a malunion fracture painful?

After the bone fracture has healed, signs that a malunion has formed can include swelling, pain or tenderness in the area. Additionally, a visible malformation in the way the bone has healed and difficulty bearing weight on the affected area can also indicate the presence of a malunion fracture.

What causes nonunion of a fracture?

Causes and Risk Factors

If a fractured bone is left unstable or lacks blood supply, it can lead to a nonunion. Factors including the use of tobacco or nicotine can impede bone healing and increase the risk of nonunion.