Nonunion of Fractures: A Review of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Clinical Features in Recent Literature

Abstract

Understanding the etiology of nonunion is crucial to its effective management. Nonunion arises from a complex interplay of biological and mechanical factors. High-velocity injuries, which are becoming more prevalent, often involve extensive soft-tissue damage and stripping compromises the vascularity of bone fragments. The lack of adequate blood supply hampers the healing process and contributes to persistence of nonunion. Such injuries often result in high levels of contamination and persistent infections, making fractures particularly difficult to manage and leading to nonunion. Despite recent advances in medical techniques and interventions, managing the problem of nonunion still remains a formidable challenge. Much effort has gone into the understanding of the problem. With this review, we have made an attempt to correlate some of the known factors and looked at the future including the possible role of genetics in predicting the problem and modifying the outcome of nonunion.