Novel Method of Tackling Fracture Non-Union
Novel Method of Tackling Fracture Non-Union
Novel Method of Tackling Fracture Non-Union
inflammatory drugs that may interfere with fracture healing, are common indicators of a non-union. There may be
and inadequate nail diameter selection [6]. According to underlying rotational instability or malalignment due to
Weresh et al., the nail locking technique and age were found inadequate fixation or biological healing failure. Clinical
to be highly correlated with the likelihood of healing[7]. examination and radiographic imaging (X-ray or CT scan)
Because this will result in favourable clinical results and an confirmed non-union and mal alignment.
early return to work, it is imperative to comprehend fracture
union in middle-aged patients.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques offer several Fig 1: X-Ray Showing the Pelvic and Femur Regions with
advantages, particularly for elderly patients with femur PFN Implant
fractures. However, to achieve successful union, addressing
the factors contributing to non-union, such as deforming The management of patient by optimizing healing can
muscle forces, osteoporosis, comorbidities, mobilization be done through glycemic control and careful evaluation by a
status, and nutrition, is vital. A holistic, multidisciplinary cardiologist to ensure the patient is fit for any further surgical
approach is necessary to overcome these challenges and intervention. Since the patient is struggling from non-union is
promote optimal outcomes for geriatric patients. confirmed then potential replacement of failed PFN by
revision surgery and a combination of a Proximal Femoral
II. CASE DESCRIPTION Nail (PFN) with an additional plate of 35mm locking
compression plate (LCP) is considered to enhance fixation
A. Case 1 and address rotational or axial instability. In addition, bone
The case report describes a 72-year-old female graft is done to stimulate the biological healing for bone loss
presented with right hip pain and antalgic gait using a walker or non-union.
for ambulation. The patient also having comorbidities such as
Diabetes mellitus (DM), Hypertension (HTN) and ischemic Post operation monitoring of fracture through radiology
heart disease (IHD). Here is an in-depth detail based on the is conducted on 6 weeks and after 12 months to evaluate the
assessment, clinical findings, and imaging studies. intensity healing and callus formation. The pharmacological
support can be given to the patient based on their age and
The patient had a medical history of proximal femur bone density Bisphosphonates or Denosumab along with
fracture sustained about 8 months ago by treated with a calcium and vitamin D supplemented to support bone health
Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) in a local hospital. Persistent or treat osteoporosis.
pain, abnormal gait, and delayed or absent healing on X-rays
Fig 2: X Ray Images Showing the Follow Up after Surgery at 6 Weeks (a) and 12 Months(b), (c)
B. Case 2
This case report describes 67-year-old male who was
treated for an upper-third femur shaft fracture and lost follow-
up for about 9 months after surgery due to the COVID-19
pandemic. The patient presented with complaints of pain in
the right hip and limb shortening. The patient has
hypertension (HTN) and is an alcoholic, both of which are
important factors to manage the current condition. Here is an
outline of the key concerns and potential next steps based on
the provided details:
The possibility of non-union can be resulted from Fig 4: Radiological Examination after 9 Months of Surgery
delayed follow up which leads to limb shortening and pain. Indicating Implant Failure
Other potential complications due to delayed follow up are
hardware failure and avascular necrosis. Although the X-ray Further investigation through X-rays confirmed the non-
shows the internal fixation hardware (an intramedullary nail union femur shaft fracture and the patient was planned to
and screws), the pain and limb shortening could suggest remove the implant and managed with combination of long
possible failure of the hardware. Over time, stress on the PFN with locking compression plate of 3.5mm plates along
hardware could lead to issues, especially if the fracture did with bone graft to stabilize the bone and regenerate fracture
not heal correctly. Whereas pain in the hip after a long period site to heal effectively. After augmentation of LCP with PFN,
of immobility could also point to avascular necrosis, a the patient underwent follow up at 6weeks, 6 months showed
condition where blood flow to the femoral head is intact implants and signs of fracture healing. Final follow-up
compromised, leading to bone death. This is more common at 12 months yielded excellent range of motion in operated
in older individuals and those with a history of alcohol abuse. limb.to evaluate the healing and callus formation.
Fig 3: X Ray Image Showing Post Surgery of Femur Shaft Fig 5: X Ray Image Showing Replacement with Long PFN
Fracture with 3.5mm LCP
Fig 6: Post Operative Follow Up at 6 Weeks (a,b), 6 Months(c,d) and One Year(e,f)
If avascular necrosis is present, additional interventions The medical examination of the patient indicates spiral
such as core decompression or even hip replacement surgery femur shaft fracture occurs due to a twisting force, often
may be necessary. A structured rehabilitation plan to help causing a helical or coiled pattern along the length of the
regain mobility and strength, with focus on managing limb bone. This type of fracture typically requires rigid internal
length discrepancy. Optimization of blood pressure control fixation to maintain alignment during healing. The long PFN
and addressing alcohol dependence are essential for used in the surgical repair is a common choice for these types
improving surgical outcomes and overall health. Limb of fractures, offering good biomechanical stability and
shortening after a femur fracture can be addressed in several facilitating early mobilization.
ways, if shortening is significant and causing functional
issues, limb-lengthening procedures can be considered by
surgical correction. Orthotic Devices such as custom shoe
inserts or orthotics can help balance the leg length
discrepancy for smaller differences.
C. Case 3
This case report describes a 67-year-old female patient
with a right lower third spiral femur shaft fracture, who
underwent closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) with
a long proximal femoral nail (PFN) in January 2022. The
patient has comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus (DM),
hypertension (HTN), and chronic kidney disease (CKD),
which are important factors to consider in her management
and recovery.
Fig 7: Radiograph Shows the CRIF with PFN in Jan 2022
Spiral fractures can sometimes heal slowly, especially The patient persist pain after 8 months suggests
in patients with comorbidities like diabetes and CKD. Since potential complications such as non-union, delayed union,
the patient is having diabetes, will face higher risk for malunion, or hardware failure. These are common issues in
postoperative infections. Regular examination of signs of fractures, especially in the lower third of the femur, where
deep or superficial infections (fever, wound drainage, healing can be slower due to decreased blood supply.
localized pain/swelling) were necessary. Customized Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of delayed or non-
physiotherapy to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and union due to impaired bone healing, poor vascularization, and
hip abductors, focusing on improving the range of motion, a higher risk of infection. Hypertension (HTN) needs to be
muscle strength, and gait pattern. As the patient is older and well-controlled perioperatively, especially if revision surgery
likely at risk of falls due to reduced mobility and underlying is required. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee could be
conditions, fall prevention strategies such as home safety contributing to the patient's antalgic gait and pain,
assessments and assistive devices (e.g., walkers) should be complicating the assessment of whether the pain is from the
considered. fracture site, knee arthritis, or both.
The patient was planned to remove antegrade nail and weight-bearing protocol initiated at 6 week of post operation.
replaced by retrograde nailing approach where retrograde Partial or full weight bearing should do after the confirmed
intramedullary nail is inserted from the knee into the femoral radiographic evidence of healing or after completed callus
canal, providing better stabilization for lower third fractures. formation and it should be under supervision. Followed 1 year
Locking Compression Plates (LCP) can offer angular stability of post operation with the radiological examination which
and may be combined with bone grafting. If there is evidence showed intact implants and signs of fracture healing.
of poor healing, autologous bone grafting or synthetic bone
grafts may be used to stimulate bone healing.
Fig 12: Follow up after One Year Shows Healing Across the
Fig 10: Preoperative X-Rays Showing CRIF using Fracture Line and Alignment
Antegrade Nail in Distal Femur Fracture Leads to Non-
Union III. DISCUSSION
complications or re-operations in fractures treated with showed excellent healing and bone union, highlighting the
locking plates, retrograde intramedullary nails, or distal effectiveness of this method. While the results are positive,
femoral replacement[16]. Weight bearing was started in the further investigation is necessary to confirm the long-term
post-operative period for all 15 patients, 6 of whom were efficacy and broader applicability of this novel approach in
native and 9 of whom were periprosthetic. Liporace and Yoon orthopaedic surgery.
reported favorable short-term outcomes in all of their patients
and discovered that none of them experienced hardware V. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
failures, non-union, or infections during the healing process
[17]. By combining the advantages of plating and nailing, the This case report exemplifies the need for innovative and
technique confers increased biomechanical stability by individualized approaches in the management of challenging
shifting the weight-bearing axis more medially along the non-union femur fractures. The use of a proximal femoral
anatomic axis, increasing points of fixation, and creating a nail, intramedullary nail and locking plate ( dual plating ) with
fixed-angle construct. This nail plate combination is crucial bone graft offers a potential solution, but the field requires
for early mobilization following fractures in the elderly, more extensive research and clinical evidence to firmly
osteopenic, and/or obese. It aids in the patients' early establish the reliability and long-term outcomes of this
rehabilitation, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers, DVT, and approach. Despite the complexities involved, with careful
other injury-related complications. Additionally, they are planning, and a patient-centred approach, it is possible to
crucial in inter- and peri-prosthetic fracture cases [18,19] as achieve favorable results in addressing these intricate
well as complex fractures involving significant orthopaedic scenarios. Furthermore, the first treatment should
communication or segmental defects [15]. be optimal to avoid revision.