Fracture malunion

Last revised by Mostafa Elfeky on 2 Dec 2022

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Knipe H, Elfeky M, Haouimi A, Fracture malunion. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 23 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-77689

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-77689

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/77689

rID:

77689

Article created:

19 May 2020, Henry Knipe ◉ ◈

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Henry Knipe had no recorded disclosures.

View Henry Knipe's current disclosures

Last revised:

2 Dec 2022, Mostafa Elfeky ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Mostafa Elfeky had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.

View Mostafa Elfeky's current disclosures

Revisions:

7 times, by 3 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Musculoskeletal

Tags:

ortho, fracture

Synonyms:

Malunion
Mal-union
Fracture mal-union
Malunited fracture
Malreduced fractures
Mal union

Fracture malunion occurs when a fracture heals in a non-anatomical position, which can result in functional impairment and/or a poor aesthetic. If fracture malunions are asymptomatic or not limiting function there is no need for further surgical intervention.

Pathology

Malunions can be secondary to ^1,4:

inaccurate reduction (closed or open)
loss of reduction
inadequate immobilization

Complications

Malunion can alter biomechanics resulting in the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis, in particular, if there is intra-articular malunion, or joint instability ^1,4.

References

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