Fracture Nonunions

Georgia Hand, Shoulder, and Elbow

While most fractures heal with appropriate treatment, some do not, leading to a condition known as a nonunion. Arm nonunions can be painful, limit mobility, and require specialized care to restore function.

At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, our team provides advanced care for fracture nonunions. We offer personalized treatment plans to help patients regain strength and mobility after trauma. Call us today to schedule a consultation! 

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About Arm Nonunions

An arm nonunion happens when a broken arm bone does not heal after a fracture despite standard treatment. In normal bone healing, blood supply and bone tissue work together to repair the fracture site. However, in some cases, this process is disrupted, leading to a nonunion. 

Arm nonunions can occur in any of the bones in the arm, including the humerus, radius, and ulna, and they can cause chronic pain, weakness, and decreased function if not addressed.

What Causes Arm Nonunions?

Arm nonunions can occur for several reasons, often due to disruptions in bone healing. Factors that can prevent or delay fracture healing include:

  • Insufficient blood supply: Proper blood flow is critical for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the fractured bone. If blood supply is limited at the fracture site, healing may be delayed or fail.
  • Severe trauma: High-energy injuries, such as those sustained in car accidents or falls, can damage the surrounding soft tissues and blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of a nonunion.
  • Infection: If an infection develops at the fracture site, it can interfere with normal bone healing.
  • Improper immobilization: When the fractured bone isn’t adequately stabilized, it may shift during healing, preventing the bone from fusing properly.
 

What Are the Risk Factors for Arm Nonunions?

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing an arm nonunion, including:

  • Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow and reduce the body’s ability to repair fractured bones.
  • Chronic medical conditions: Diabetes, osteoporosis, and autoimmune disorders can all negatively affect bone healing.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories or steroids, may impair the healing process.
  • Age: Older individuals tend to have slower healing rates and are more prone to impaired fracture healing.
  • Poor nutrition: A lack of essential nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, can hinder bone fracture healing.
 

Symptoms of Nonunions in Arm Fractures

The symptoms of an arm nonunion can vary, but common signs include:

  • Persistent pain at the fracture site: Pain that continues well beyond the expected healing period could indicate a nonunion.
  • Weakness or instability: A fractured bone that hasn’t healed properly may result in ongoing weakness or instability in the arm.
  • Visible deformity: The arm may appear misshapen or shorter than normal.
  • Limited range of motion: Stiffness and reduced movement in the affected arm can be signs of a nonunion.
 

How Are Nonunions in the Arm Diagnosed?

Diagnosing an arm nonunion involves a thorough clinical examination and diagnostic imaging. Physicians typically use X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the fractured bone and determine if the bone healing process has stalled. 

A physical examination helps identify symptoms like tenderness or instability at the fracture site. In some cases, your doctor may also assess blood flow to ensure the fractured bone is receiving an adequate blood supply.

What Are the Treatment Options for Arm Nonunions?

Treatment for arm nonunions often depends on the severity of the nonunion and the specific circumstances of the fracture. Several approaches may be recommended. 

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments include the following:

  • Immobilization: In some cases, continued immobilization of the arm with a splint or cast may be needed.
  • Bone stimulation: Bone stimulation techniques include electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy, to encourage bone healing.

Surgical Repair

At times, the following surgical treatments may be necessary:

  • Bone grafting: If the fractured bone is not healing due to a lack of bone tissue at the fracture site, bone grafting may be required. Bone grafts can be taken from other parts of the body or a donor to stimulate healing. Sometimes, bone graft substitutes made from synthetic materials or demineralized bone matrix can be used to stimulate healing.
  • Internal fixation: Surgery may be required to stabilize the fractured bone with metal plates, screws, or rods. Internal fixation helps hold the bone in place and promotes normal bone healing by improving blood flow and stability.
  • External Fixation: Wires or pins are used to hold the bones in place. These are attached to a metal frame outside of the injured arm.
 

While surgery is sometimes the most effective solution, the decision is made based on individual factors such as the location of the fracture, the patient’s overall health, and the risk factors for impaired fracture healing.

 

Get Expert Care for Fracture Nonunions

If you are experiencing persistent pain or difficulty after an arm fracture or wrist fracture, you may have a nonunion. Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, with locations in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, specializes in diagnosing and treating complex fracture nonunions. 

Our expert team can help guide you through the best treatment options to restore function and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in your recovery after trauma.

Medically reviewed by

Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon

Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon

Hand & Plastic Surgeon

Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon

Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon

Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon

Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon

Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon