Whether a fracture is surgically induced or the result of trauma, fractures can heal more slowly than expected. We’ll expect most fractures to heal in a period of 6-8 weeks. But what if fracture healing takes a bit longer?
If a fracture is not healed in 6 months, we begin to view the fracture as a delayed union. Delayed unions have all the cellular potential to heal and can heal over time with just a little help.
If the presence of the fracture is still found at 12 months, we then term the fracture a non-union. Non-unions can be viewed as a fracture where the body just ran out of time and energy in its’ attempt to heal. Non-unions do need a bit of help healing.
For more information on delayed unions and non-union of bone, please join us in this discussion in The Foot Talk Forum on Myfootshop.com.
Jeffrey A. Oster, DPM
Medical Director
Myfootshop.com
