Serology and Comorbidities in Patients With Fracture Nonunion: A Multicenter Evaluation of 640 Patients.
Joshua A ShapiroMatthew R StillwagonPaul TornettaThomas M SeaverMark GageJeffrey O'DonnellKeith WhitlockSeth R YarboroKyle J JerayWilliam T ObremskeyAndres Rodriguez-BuitragoPaul E MatuszewskiFeng-Chang LinRobert F OstrumPublished in: The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2022)
Abnormal serology and comorbid conditions, including smoking, alcohol abuse, and diabetes mellitus, are seen in nonunion; however, serologic abnormalities may be less common than previously thought. Septic nonunion is associated with inflammation, younger age, and malnourishment. Based on the observed frequency of abnormality, routine laboratory work is not recommended for nonunion assessment; however, specific focused serology may help determine the presence of septic nonunion.