Fracture Healing Time Flashcards
(11 cards)
Fracture healing time
6-12 weeks
Depends on age
Proximal bones in the wrist can take longer
Depends on severity
Non-union fracture
-Failure of a fractured bone to heal after an extended period
-Typically takes 9-12 months
Causes of non-union
Normal biological processe for bone healing required have stopped or became insufficient.
Bone ends remain separated.
What happens if non-union fracture is left untreated?
Damaged blood supply. Death of bone.
-avasular necrosis
Mal-union fracture
Bone fracture that heals in an incorrect or abnormal position. Leading to a deformity or misalignment.
Can result in a twisted, rotated, bent or shortened bone.
Complications of mal-Union
Some malunions may not cause significant functional issues. Some can cause arthritis, loss of function and instability.
Hypertrophic (vascular) non-Union
Common cause- inadequate immobilisation
When bone ends show abundant callus formation, but healing is incomplete due to mechanical instability.
Atrophic non-Union (avascula)
Common cause- poor blood supply, severe soft tissue damage and infection.
Little to no callus formation, bone ends may appear rounded or sclerotic
Oligotrophic non- union
Cause- often due to misalignment or poor reduction.
Intermediate, minimal callus with poor healing
Treatment options for non-union
-Surgical intervention/ bone grafting, revision fixation
-bone stimulation: ultrasound or electrical stimulation
Biological enhancers: BMP’s (bone morphogenetic proteins)
-infection management: (if present)
Common causes of non-union
-Poor blood supply to fracture site
-Inadequate stabilisation (poor fixation)
- infection
-smoking, diabetes, malnutrition
-severe soft tissue injury
-use of NSAIDS or steroids that interfere with healing
