Fracture non-union epidemiology and treatment. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nandra, Rajpal; Grover, Liam; Porter, Keith
• Is Part Of: Trauma. Volume 18:Number 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Non-union -- incidence -- risk factors -- platelet-rich plasma -- low-intensity pulsed ultrasound; Traumatology -- Periodicals; Disaster medicine -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1177/1460408615591625
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1460-4086

Abstract

Fracture non-union remains a clinical problem despite advances in the understanding of basic science and technology. Each fracture has a unique personality as does the patient suffering the injury. Thus, each case must be treated on an individual basis. This article defines the problem of fracture non-union and reports recent epidemiological studies. We discuss relevant risk factors and methods for assessing patients who have a tendency toward fracture non-union. There are many treatment options for patients with non-union, where a number of these modalities are still under review. We discuss current evidence with the use of bone morphogenic protein, platelet-rich plasma and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to augment the treatment of fracture non-union.