Broken bone that isn't healing (nonunion or malunion)

Overview

Bones need good blood supply, stability, and nutrition to heal.

Nonunion may need a bone graft or new hardware.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Ongoing pain at a fracture
• Recovering after a broken bone or a cast comes off

Less common

• Movement at the break

When to get medical care

Causes

Poor healing.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking

Possible complications

• Bone infection (osteomyelitis): Can stop healing

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• X-ray:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Don't smoke
• Stop smoking
• Eat enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Don't smoke

Which doctor treats this

• Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Back to school, work, or sports

• School or desk work is often OK within days. Jobs with lifting may need light duty for a while.
• Go back to sports only when your doctor says it's OK and you have full motion and strength without pain.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with diabetes: Slower healing.

Outlook

Surgery fixes most.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Broken bone that isn't healing (nonunion or malunion)