pseudoarthrosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
- pseudoarthrosis - is when sound healing does not occur following a fracture resulting in an atrophic non-union. A false joint (pseudoarthrosis) is formed which is not mechanically satisfactory. Seek urgent orthopaedic advice regarding management. Note that sometimes the term is also applied to the result of an excision arthroplasty
- congenital pseudoarthrosis - usually affects the tibia. A baby is born with middle third of the tibia that is deficient and this either fractures with trivial injury or is completely absent. The appearances are very similar to a pseudoarthrosis (atropic non-union) in an adult and union is as difficult to achieve