Nonunion

Pseudarthrosis is the failure of a fractured bone to heal: instead of knitting together, the ends of the fracture do not fully join and a kind of "false joint" forms. The result is usually pain and abnormal mobility in the affected area.

Common symptoms: persistent pain at the site of a previous fracture, movement where there should be none, and swelling or weakness of the area.

Contributing factors: insufficient immobilization, problems with the bone's blood supply, infections or certain general health conditions.

Which specialist treats it? The orthopedist and, depending on the area, the hand surgeon are the ones who evaluate this bone problem. If a fracture does not heal in the expected time or continues to hurt, it is advisable to have an orthopedist examine it to determine the next steps.