Old fracture generally refers to fractures for more than 3 weeks, and complications caused by delayed treatment or therapy: delayed union, malunion and nonunion of fractures. Delayed union means that fracture healing is not taking place within the expected time, but the definition of fracture nonunion is controversy. Delayed union and nonunion of fractures are caused by a variety of factors, unstable and blood supply of destroy are considered the most important factors. Because of substantial suffering about patients living, working and economics caused by delayed union and nonunion, early intervention is necessary. Treatment includes conservative and operative. Mechanical stimulation, physical treatment and bio-stimulation have been proven to promote healing of fractures, autogenous cancellous bone graft combined with strong fixation is the gold standard for surgery. Malunion means a consolidation of a fracture in a position of deformity and malalignment. Deformities are described in terms of abnormalities of length, angulation, rotation, and translation. The treatment of malunion is a lengthy and complex process and the main purpose is to relieve pain, restoring alignment and function.
Fracture Healing ; Fractures, Bone ; Fractures, Ununited ; Humans ; Time Factors