Orthopaedics · Skeletal System · Medium

Nonunion

Meaning: Failure of a fractured bone to heal, leaving a persistent gap or false joint.

In practice: Scaphoid fractures are notorious for this complication because of the bone's fragile blood supply.

Quick check

Two questions on related orthopaedics words.

Which word means: Fracture where one bone fragment is driven into an adjacent segment, often producing a dense line.

Which word means: Buckle fracture with outward bulging of the cortex from axial compression, usually in a child.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.