What is humerus malunion?

By definition, malunion of the proximal humerus corresponds to the healing of a fractured bone in a non-anatomical position. This results in a painful and disabling deformity that may lead to the patient requesting a correction and functional restoration.

What is tuberosity malunion?

Introduction. Malunion of the greater tuberosity is usually posterosuperior. This displacement is due to the deforming forces of the rotator cuff. Displacement of the greater tuberosity more than 5 mm may lead to subacromial impingement and limitation of abduction and external rotation [2, 8, 9].

What is the difference between malunion and nonunion?

A malunion occurs when a fractured bone heals in an abnormal position, which can lead to impaired function of the bone or limb and make it look like it is ‘bent’. Similarly, a nonunion is the result of a fractured bone failing to heal after an extended period of time – in some cases over a period of 9 to 12 months.

What is proximal humerus nonunion?

Proximal Humerus Fracture Nonunion and Malunion are common complications associated with proximal humerus fractures which can lead to persistent shoulder pain, instability, and restricted motion.

What is Malunion fracture?

After a bone is broken (fractured), the body will start the healing process. If the two ends of the broken bone are not lined up properly, the bone can heal with a deformity called a malunion. A malunion fracture occurs when a large space between the displaced ends of the bone have been filled in by new bone.

What is surgical neck of humerus fracture?

23359. Anatomical terminology. The surgical neck of the humerus is a constriction below the tubercles of the greater tubercle and lesser tubercle, and above the deltoid tuberosity. It is much more frequently fractured than the anatomical neck of the humerus.

Can a malunion fracture be fixed?

The exact time of recovery depends on the area of injury and surgery. With the right team of medical professionals, malunion and nonunion fractures can be fixed, and you can return to a normal lifestyle.

How can a malunion be fixed?

Treatment for a malunion in the lower limb often involves surgery to correct the alignment of the fractured bone and improve function in the involved leg. The major bones of the lower limb include the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone).

What is nonunion FX?

When a fractured (broken) bone does not heal, it is referred to as a “nonunion” fracture. Although most fractures eventually heal, either by themselves or with surgery, approximately 5 percent do not heal, or have difficulty doing so (referred to as a “delayed union”).

How do you fix a malunion fracture?

How is a Fracture Malunion Treated? A surgical procedure can help reverse severe cases of malunion and ensure correct fracture healing. Osteotomy, an orthopedic surgical procedure, is commonly used to realign the bones in the correct position. The procedure may involve shortening or lengthening before the realignment.

Can a malunion be fixed?

Malunion and nonunion fractures can take some time to heal. The exact time of recovery depends on the area of injury and surgery. With the right team of medical professionals, malunion and nonunion fractures can be fixed, and you can return to a normal lifestyle.

Is there a cure for malunion of the proximal humerus?

No proximal humerus fracture treatment method (conservative treatment, internal fixation, etc.) is immune to the risk of malunion; even primary shoulder arthroplasty performed in fracture cases has the risk of periprosthetic malunion [2].

When does a malunion occur in a humerus?

Malunion may be encountered after conservative treatment or internal fixation of fractures, and also around a joint prosthesis. The malunion can involve the greater and lesser tuberosities, humeral head, bicipital groove, or the entire epiphysis.

When does non-operative proximal humeral fracture rehabilitation begin?

Non-Operative Proximal Humeral Fracture Rehabilitation Protocol. General Principles: 1. Non-displaced means less than 1cm of displacement and less than 45° of angulation 2. Bony healing occurs usually within 6 to 8 weeks in adults 3. Extension and Internal Rotation not performed until 6 weeks 4.

What happens when the humeral head is misaligned?

The misalignment and/or remodelling of the humeral head results in joint incongruity, which does not provide optimal mechanical conditions; this can lead to stiffness due to the retraction of capsule and ligament structures. Thus the joint is at risk, as is the bone [1].