Endocrine Abnormalities and Optimization in Patients with a Fracture Nonunion

Abstract

Significant advancements have been made in the management and understanding of fracture nonunions. Recently, there has been an interest in identifying modifiable risk factors in patients with nonunions. Endocrine and metabolic abnormalities have been studied for their association with the development of nonunion. Identifying these abnormalities and correcting them requires a multidisciplinary approach involving the orthopaedic surgeon, primary care provider, and endocrinologist. This article discusses the various endocrine abnormalities and their association with fracture nonunion, and highlights studies that have focused on methods of endocrine optimization of patients with a nonunion.