Malunion of the Tibia                       Malunion of the Femur                       Malunion of the pelvis

Malunions

Malunions refer to fractures that heal with an abnormally large amount of angulation or difference in length. For some fractures, such as humeral shaft fractures, large amounts of angular deformity are tolerated.  In weight bearing bones like the tibia and femur, less angular deformity is tolerated before significant problems with gait patterns develop. In general, fractures with more than 10^o of angular deformity are considered malunions.  If this deformity is close to a joint, the effects of the malunion on joint function and longevity are amplified. The treatment of the malunion focuses on restoration of the normal mechanical axis of the bone and joints by re-fracturing the bone with a procedure called an osteotomy, then realigning the bone and holding it with internal fixation, most commonly plates and screws.