Publication:

Predictive factors of malunion and nonunion at the Aristide le Dantec hospital

Background Malunion and nonunion are late complications that can occur during the fracture healing process. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors for malunion and nonunion

Methods This was a retrospective study over a period of 43 months. Predictive factors were sought from patient, fracture and initial management data

Results We recorded 72 consolidation disorders in 69 patients. malunion accounted for 54.1% and nonunion for 45.9%. The study population was divided as follows: 53 men and 16 women. The average age was 37.8 years. The patients lived in urban areas in 81.2% of cases. Comorbidities were present in 14.5%. The circumstances of fracture occurrence were dominated by traffic accidents, especially for 39 patients. The initial fracture was closed in 91.3%. Long bones were involved in 97.2% of cases, with a diaphyseal location in 52.8%. The fracture was simple in 79.1%, with 84.7% of the fractures being transverse. The tibia was the bone most affected by malunion (53.8%). Nonunion occurred in the humerus, femur and tibia in 27.3% each. Initial treatment was undertaken in 91.3% of patients.

Conclusions Malunion and nonunion are a reality in our daily practice. These consolidation problems occur in young patients who are victims of road traffic accidents. Diaphyseal fractures of long bones with a transverse line have been the most frequently incriminated. conservative treatment and traditional practice have favoured the development of these complications.