Impaired fracture healing

Introduction Bone fracture healing is a complex cascade of events at cellular and biochemical levels, that ends by complete structural and functional restoration of a damaged bone. Impaired healing develops in 5-10% of all fractures, and manifests as delayed union or non-union. This paper deals with the problem of impaired healing as well as with methods of fracture healing enhancement. Causes of impaired fracture healing There are many factors causing impaired fracture healing (inadequate vascularization, mechanical causes, infection, etc.), and it is very important to recognize the principle cause of delayed union and non-union, since therapy is based on eliminating the factor that causes it. Fracture healing enhancement Through constant attempts to find adequate solutions and procedures in order to resolve the problem of impaired fracture healing, many alternatives in treatment of impaired healing have been developed. Some of these procedures may also be useful in treatment of fresh fractures, especially when it comes to fractures that are prone to delayed union and non-union more than usual. All currently known methods of healing enhancement may be classified as biological, mechanical and biophysical. Conclusion Certain methods are in clinical use for several decades. The newest methods, such as locally applied growth factors, composite biosynthetic grafts, gene therapy and systemic approaches are studied all around the world, and are on the verge of clinical application. Due to impressive number of therapeutic options, certain therapeutic procedures of choice will be developed for specific impairments.