Bone Union Problem
Fractured bones, depending on the severity of the fracture, can take weeks to months to heal properly. A bone is “healed” when it is strong enough to allow for normal activities. A bone union problem is a bone that does not heal properly or is taking longer than expected. It might be an indication of one of the three bone union problems:
- Delayed Union. This means that the bone is taking longer to heal than expected, but is considered to heal without the need for additional surgery.
- Non-union. This is a condition in which the bone is not healed (united) and has very little chance that it will heal without further surgery.
- Mal-union. This condition indicates that the bone has healed, but that it has healed in less than an optimal position. This can happen in almost any bone after fracture and occurs for several reasons.
Causes
Healing of the fractured bone depends on the severity of the fracture. Severe fractures are often called “high energy” fractures, where the bone is often broken into many pieces. Less severe fractures are called “low energy” fractures, where the bone is usually broken into two or maybe three pieces. Healing of the high energy fracture is related to the damage done to the bone and the amount of damage done to the blood supply to the bone. Blood supply is essential for the healing of all tissues in the body. Severely damaged bone also has a damaged blood supply which causes the bone to heal slowly, or never healing at all.
Blood supply to the bone may also be affected by an infection or diabetes. These may reduce the concentration of nutrients in the blood and decrease blood flow. Both factors increase the risk of a nonunion or delayed union fracture.
Broken Ankle (Ankle Fracture)
Ankle fractures can range from less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe, shattering-type breaks.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone and is mostly caused by overuse and repetitive activities.
Symptoms
Symptoms for union problems can vary from minimal pain to severe limitation of activities and daily living:
- Discomfort
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Deformity
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Reduced functioning in the affected area
Bone Protrusions
Bone protrusions occur when the broken end of the tibia (shinbone) has torn through the soft tissues and is protruding through the skin.
Deformities In The Affected Area
Foot deformities are a group of congenital and acquired conditions involving structural abnormalities that may affect the bones, tendons, and muscles of your foot.
Potential Treatments
Orthopedics have extensive experience in treating both high and low energy fractures. Treatment involves cutting the bone, at or near the site of the original fracture. The cut or “osteotomy” is done to correct the mal-alignment. In addition, some secure methods of fixation must be used to hold the bones in the desired position including plates, rods, or an external frame with pins. Doctors may also include customized antibiotic therapies for your specific infection.
Malunions that include shortening of the bone often require some method for bone lengthening.
Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that orthopaedic surgeons use to treat problems in the ankle joint.
Foot and Ankle Fracture Repair (ORIF)
Ankle Fracture Repair, or Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
In minimally invasive surgery, our doctors use a variety of techniques to operate with less damage to the body than with open surgery.
Regenerative Medicine Treatments
Regenerative medicine involves the delivery of growth factors to injured joints and tissues to promote the healing process.
