Non Unions

Non-union is the permanent failure of a bone to heal from a fracture. It occurs when the bone lacks adequate stability and support and/or blood flow to heal on its own without intervention. After a fracture occurs, new bone tissue forms to join the broken pieces. When the broken bone fails to heal permanently without intervention it is called a "Non-union". A fracture that is a minimum of nine months post occurrence and has not healed for three months is classified as a Non union.

• Infection
• Inadequate blood flow to the bone
• Separation of the fractured ends of the bone
• Inadequate stabilization of the fracture
• Malnutrition such as and vitamin D deficiency
• Smoking, tobacco and/or alcohol use
• Diabetes / endocrinopathy
• Thyroid / parathyroid disorders such as hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency)
• Certain medication use such as Steroids, Chemotherapy, and Bisphosphonates
• Psychiatric conditions such as dementia

Symptoms

• Feel pain at the site of the break long after the initial pain of the fracture disappears. This pain may last months, or even years. It may be constant, or it may occur only when the broken arm or leg is used
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Deformity
• Difficulty bearing weight

For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, or to book an appointment please call us on 416 489 5313 (Finch) / 416 604 4404 (Jane) or email us at info@physiowell.ca.