When most people fracture a bone, the healing begins immediately after the bone is set. Typically, complete healing takes a few months. However, when bones fail to heal properly, it's called a non-union or a non-healing fracture.
Causes of Non-Union Fractures
The primary cause of a non-union fracture is inadequate blood supply to the injury site. Diabetes is one of the most common contributing conditions, as it can significantly reduce blood flow and nutrients to the area where the bone is trying to heal. Other factors that can impair healing include:
- Location—fractures occurring in the middle of long bones are at greater risk
- Smoking
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Poor nutrition (bones require adequate vitamin D and calcium)
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Trauma that damages blood vessels
Symptoms of a Non-Union Fracture
Patients with non-union fractures commonly experience:
- Persistent aching pain
- Tenderness at the fracture site
- Swelling
- Weakness, including inability to bear weight
During your podiatry consultation, your doctor will take a complete medical history and order imaging tests to confirm a non-union fracture. Blood tests may be conducted to identify any underlying infections or nutritional deficiencies contributing to the delayed healing.
How Bone Stimulators Work to Heal A Non-Union Fracture
Our office uses the Exogen bone stimulator as a non-invasive treatment option for non-union fractures. This medical device is particularly effective when bones heal too slowly or when a fracture hasn't healed after several months.
We work with a company representative to provide this bone stimulator to our patients. This device is FDA-approved and has been used to treat patients for over 25 years. This technology has successfully healed up to 86% of non-healing fractures.
The Exogen Bone Stimulator harnesses safe, painless, low-intensity pulse ultrasound (LIPU) technology to trigger healing at the cellular level. It supports bone regeneration through three key mechanisms:
- Generates Micromotion: Exogen transmits ultrasonic vibrations through skin and surrounding tissues, producing subtle movement that energizes your body's cellular activity.
- Activates the Cellular Response: These specialized sound waves awaken and engage the specific cells responsible for bone repair and reconstruction.
- Enhances Biochemical Factors: Exogen amplifies the expression of essential genes and proteins that accelerate your body's innate healing mechanisms.
Treatment involves using the device for just 20 minutes daily. The therapy duration depends on your fracture's specific characteristics and location. Not all fractures respond equally to stimulation, with effectiveness varying based on:
- The location and type of fracture
- Individual factors (age, health conditions, medications)
- Consistent use of the device as prescribed
Clinical studies show bone stimulators successfully heal 80% of non-union fractures within 3-6 months of consistent use. (Outcomes of the Treatment of Fracture Nonunion Using Combined Magnetic Field Bone Growth Stimulation: Experiences From a UK Trauma Unit, Trauma and Orthopedics, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35733483/)
