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Non-union Management in Delhi

What is Non-union Management?

When a fractured bone fails to heal completely within a specified timeframe, the condition is referred to as a non-union fracture. It shapes into a complex and challenging fracture that may require specific treatment and expert advice to ensure complete recovery.

Non-union fractures may be divided into the following types:

  • Hypertrophic Non-Union: This type shows evidence of new bone growth; however, the ends of the bone pieces do not meet.
  • Atrophic Non-Union: This type doesn't show any evidence of new bone growth. There is a lack of good blood supply to the bones.
  • Oligotrophic Non-Union: This type exhibits some new bone growth; however, it is incomplete, and the bone fragments are not in the correct position.

Why is it needed?

In case of any fracture, the bones start rebuilding immediately after the doctor aligns their fragments and stabilizes them in place. During the following weeks or months, new bone tissue starts developing. When the bone fragments receive adequate blood supply and nutrients, the new tissue fuses them into a single bone.

In the case of non-union, the bones don't produce new tissue. It slows down the healing of the bone and gives rise to certain symptoms, including tenderness, swelling, and aching pain, which may be felt deep within the affected bone. The bone is not strong enough to bear weight, affecting your quality of life. If left untreated, the condition may develop into a more serious form and may take years to heal.

Common techniques under Non-union Management

After diagnosing your condition, the doctor starts with non-union management in Delhi. There are various treatment options, including non-surgical and surgical approaches.

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Medical Therapy: It is the first line of non-healing fracture treatment. After ruling out the cause of your condition, the doctor starts targeting the systemic disease that is resulting in this condition. It may include any infection or malnutrition.
  • Orthoses: The doctor may offer equipment, such as a brace, splint, or cast, to the affected leg to help immobilize the bone, while encouraging healing. You may be advised to use orthoses for a couple of months, until complete recovery takes place.
  • Bone Stimulator: If orthoses do not come to your rescue, the doctor may recommend the use of bone stimulators. These are the devices that stimulate healing with the help of ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves. Many people get relieved from this treatment.
  • Biologic Injections: In addition to prescribing medication for pain management, the doctor may also recommend using biologic injections. These are stem cells or platelet-rich plasma that help stimulate healing and allow the growth of the bone in the right direction.

Surgical Treatment

Depending on the severity of your condition, the surgeon may use one of the following procedures to treat a non-union fracture.

  • Debridement: The orthopaedic surgeon will remove the dead tissue from the bone to allow the bones to fuse and stimulate blood flow.
  • Vascular Surgery: A vascular surgeon may operate on your blood vessels to restore blood flow and allow quick healing.
  • Bone Grafting: It is one of the most commonly used surgical procedures where the orthopaedic surgeon attaches a piece of bone from elsewhere in the body or from a donor bone to the affected area. The use of this graft offers a fresh starting point for the new bone growth.
  • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: If your condition is severe, the orthopaedic surgeon may opt for open reduction and internal fixation of the bone. The procedure involves readjusting the position of the bone pieces and holding them in place with the help of surgical screws, plates, or nails.

Recovery

While non-surgical treatments for non-union do not require a longer recovery period, your healthcare provider will work with you for recovery after surgery. A complete recovery may take months. They will connect you with experts, including nutritionists and physiotherapists, who will collectively provide care after the treatment. They will prescribe pain medication to manage pain and discomfort after the surgery.

You will be put on a rehabilitation program where the physiotherapist will constantly work with you to regain movement and strengthen your bones. Follow their instructions for effective healing. In addition, you may be asked to wear braces for some time and strictly advised to avoid bearing weight until your bone completely heals.

You should visit the healthcare provider for follow-up and imaging tests, where they will run X-rays and other tests to monitor the progress of healing. Regular visits will allow them to assess how well the treatment is working. If necessary, they will make adjustments.

Cost of Non-union Management in Delhi

The cost of non-union management in Delhi depends on the severity of your condition. While non-surgical treatments do not cost you a fortune, the surgical intervention charges begin from 1,20,000 INR and may extend up to 3,50,000 INR, respectively.

This cost is further characterized by the following factors:

  • The type of graft used during the surgery.
  • The selection of implants, including specialized plates, screws, or rods.
  • The type of the hospital, with a private hospital charging a higher fee than a government hospital.
  • The experience and expertise of the surgeon. A surgeon specializing in reconstructive orthopaedics or limb lengthening may charge a higher fee.

Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Non-union Management?

Non-union management and treatment require the supervision of an expert like Dr. Ashwani Maichand. With over three decades of experience in orthopaedics, Dr. Maichand specializes in treating different types of bone deformities and fractures, offering long-term relief to his patients' suffering.

Dr. Maichand specialises in procedures, such as bone grafting, Ilizarov fixation, and biological stimulation to promote union of the bones while alleviating pain and discomfort. Dr. Maichand carefully evaluates each case to create a personalized treatment plan to restore function and reduce further complications. His focus on precision, rehabilitation, and long-term outcomes helps patients achieve optimal recovery, improved mobility, and a better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A non-union fracture is a serious condition where the bone fails to heal properly, leading to persistent pain, instability, and reduced function.

Union implies normal healing of a fractured bone where the bone ends join together. Non-union occurs when the bone fails to heal.

In its early stages, non-union can be fixed without surgery using bone stimulators, orthoses, or medications.

Non-union treatments have a high success rate, ranging between 80-95%.

It is possible to live with a non-union fracture, but it is highly advised to seek treatment at the earliest to avoid long-term complications.

Patient Testimonials

Dr

Dr. Ashwani Maichand

MBBS, MS(Orthopaedics) | Mch(Orthopaedics)

- Sr. Consultant & Director at Minomax Orthopaedics

- Director Orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospital

- Fellowship Joint Replacement (USA & GERMANY)

- Visiting Surgeon HELIOSENDO at klinik, Hamburg, Germany

Dr. Ashwani Maichand brings with him a rich experience of Orthopaedics, more than a decade of which has been dedicated to joint reconstruction.

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