Advances in treatment of nonunion and delayed union of fractures

Nonunion or delayed union remains one of the major complicatio ns of fractures. Repair of fractures involves a sequence of dynamic events which ultimately restore the integrity of bone and its biomechanical properties, incl uding such methods as surgery, internal fixation, bone grafting, external fixati on, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and high-energy extracorporeal shock wa ve. The preferred management of nonunion and delayed union is autologous bone gr afting. However, the supply of suitable bone is limited and it often results in additional morbidity to the donor site. Recently some advances have been made in the therapeutic principle for nonunion or delayed union. It is aimed at providi ng non-invasion, less complication, and safe treatment. This article introduces the development of some effective and safe therapies for nonunion or delayed un ion.