Pseudarthrosis: Difference between revisions
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==Etymology== |
==Etymology== |
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The Latin root "pseud" means false and "arthrosis" means joint. "Pseudarthrosis", then, is a false joint. |
The Latin root "pseud" means false and "arthrosis" means joint. "Pseudarthrosis", then, is a false joint. In the case of a 'non-union' , a fracture that does not heal, this is often evidenced by the obliteration of the medullary cavity of a long bone at the site of the non union. This non union is not a true joint, and has no ligamentous support, but often has motion, and remodels into a rounded end that looks like a true joint. |
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==Treatment== |
==Treatment== |
Revision as of 03:14, 3 December 2006
Pseudarthrosis | |
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Specialty | Rheumatology |
Pseudarthrosis (or "nonunions") is the movement of a bone at the location of a fracture resulting from inadequate healing of the fracture.
Pseudarthrosis can also result from a developmental failure.
Etymology
The Latin root "pseud" means false and "arthrosis" means joint. "Pseudarthrosis", then, is a false joint. In the case of a 'non-union' , a fracture that does not heal, this is often evidenced by the obliteration of the medullary cavity of a long bone at the site of the non union. This non union is not a true joint, and has no ligamentous support, but often has motion, and remodels into a rounded end that looks like a true joint.
Treatment
The point of movement can be treated with electrical stimulations that hopefuly will trigger the bone cells to form the hydroxyapatite structure that keeps bones from bending too much.