Complications of fracture healing
Delayed union:
Defined as healing that has not advanced at the average rate
Usually considered a delayed union if not healed by 4-6months
Management:
Strict nonweightbearing immobilisation
Infections:
Nonunion:
Usually considered a nonunion if not healed at 8-9 months (In USA, for reimbursement purposes, Medicare considers a nonunion as being 90 days)
Can be classified as hypertrophic/hypervascular or atrophic/avascular
Management:
Bone stimulator
Surgical
Bone graft
Fibrous unions:
Pseudoarthrosis:
Usually the end stage of a nonunion.
A fibrocartilaginous surface and joint space develops
Management:
Surgical
Oedema:
Joint stiffness:
Neurological complications:
Vascular complications:
Embolism
Arterial thrombosis
Venous thrombosis
Compartment syndrome:
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