Dr. Pili Orthopedic Surgeon

Specialist in the treatment of
Fracture non union and Osteomyelitis (bone infection)

The treatment and care of non-healed fractures, pseudoarthrosis, and osteomyelitis (bone infections) are among the most challenging for an orthopedic surgeon. Achieving good results requires the right experience and appropriate tools.

Nowadays, multiple techniques are used to treat these challenging conditions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages that must be carefully discussed with the patient during the consultation.

Hybrid and computerized circular external fixators, alone or in combination with other surgical techniques, allow for the correction of large bone defects and severe deformities associated with this condition.

These techniques are ideal for treating all types of pseudoarthrosis, whether post-traumatic or congenital.

Simple pseudoarthrosis without major deformities can be easily treated with bone grafts alone, while more severe cases, such as those in the examples below, require more complex and prolonged treatments

PNON UNION OF THE TIBIA AFTER THE FULL RECOVERY

THIS IS THE A NON UNION WITH SHORTEN LEG

When does a fracture becomes a non-uion?

Pseudoarthrosis is a failure in the healing process of a fracture, preventing it from properly recovering.
A fracture becomes pseudoarthrosis when it no longer shows signs of possible healing. For example, there is no visible progression in the formation of the bone callus, and movement persists between the bone fragments.

When a fracture takes a long time to heal, is it pseudoarthrosis?

A fracture that takes longer than expected to complete its healing process is defined as a delayed union.
A delayed union is generally defined as the failure of a fracture to heal within six months after the injury or an unusually long healing period for fractures considered slow-healing.

When a fracture becomes infected, does it turn into pseudoarthrosis?

A fracture that develops an infection (osteomyelitis) often turns into pseudoarthrosis.
In this case, it is often referred to as infected non-union. This is a serious condition that must be treated as soon as possible to prevent severe complications.

How is pseudoarthrosis treated?

Pseudoarthrosis is a serious condition that can be treated through conservative treatments or surgery.

Conservative treatments include the use of orthoses to immobilize the fracture site and reduce symptoms. This type of treatment is reserved for patients with severe medical conditions that prevent the use of surgical techniques.

Surgical treatment involves removing the cause of non-healing, which may be the presence of a fixation device, such as a plate or nail, that interferes with the normal healing process. Other factors, such as infection or devitalized bone, can also prevent healing and must be addressed.

Afterward, the fracture must be stabilized with an alternative fixation device or an external fixator. In many cases, bone grafting is necessary to introduce healthy cells capable of stimulating the healing process.

Rigenerative medicine has a role in the treatment of non-unions??

Rigenerative medicine can sometimes be used to increase healing chances.

BONE INFECTION OF THE LEG