Orthonotes
Orthonotes
by the.bonestories
v4.1 Fusion X
v4.1 Fusion X
trauma topic hub

Malunion and Nonunion — Biology & Management

Malunion = fracture healing in unacceptable position (angulation, rotation, shortening, translation). Nonunion = failure of fracture to heal in expected time (9 months with no signs of healing for 3 months). Biological vs mechanical causes; infection as a major impediment. Hypertrophic (good biology, poor mechanics) vs atrophic (poor biology) nonunion. Workup: history, exam, radiographs, lab workup for infection; advanced imaging if required. Management: restore stability and biology — fixation, grafting, biologics, debridement if infection. Malunion management: osteotomy with correction and fixation if symptomatic.

Overview

Topic summary

View wiki
Malunion = fracture healing in unacceptable position (angulation, rotation, shortening, translation). Nonunion = failure of fracture to heal in expected time (9 months with no signs of healing for 3 months). Biological vs mechanical causes; infection as a major impediment. Hypertrophic (good biology, poor mechanics) vs atrophic (poor biology) nonunion. Workup: history, exam, radiographs, lab workup for infection; advanced imaging if required. Management: restore stability and biology — fixation, grafting, biologics, debridement if infection. Malunion management: osteotomy with correction and fixation if symptomatic.
MCQs

High-yield practice questions

Start topic quiz