What Happens When A Fracture Doesn’t Heal Properly?

A broken bone can be a painful and disruptive event. With proper care, most fractures heal well. But what if your bone doesn’t heal the way it should? What if the pain, swelling, or weakness lingers far beyond the expected recovery period? These may be signs of a non-healing or improperly healed fracture — a complication that can lead to long-term issues if not addressed.

In this blog, we’ll explore how long bones should take to heal, why healing can sometimes go wrong, and what signs to look for if you suspect something’s not right.

Also Read: Can You Fix A Bone That Healed Wrong?

How Long Should It Take for a Bone to Heal?

The average healing time for a broken bone is 6 to 8 weeks, but this varies depending on:

• Type of fracture (simple, compound, comminuted)
• Location of the break
• Age and general health
• Nutrition and lifestyle
• Medical conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, or immune disorders

Here are typical healing timelines:

• Finger or toe fractures: 3–5 weeks
• Wrist or collarbone fractures: 6–8 weeks
• Long bones like femur or tibia: 3–6 months or more
• Elderly or smokers may experience longer healing periods

Even with good care, some bones struggle to heal due to poor blood supply or ongoing stress.

What Are the Signs That a Fracture Is Not Healing Properly?

A fracture that doesn’t heal correctly is referred to as a nonunion(when it doesn’t heal at all) or a malunion (when it heals in the wrong position). Warning signs include:

• Persistent pain at the site for more than 2–3 months
• Swelling or tenderness that doesn’t go away
• Unusual movement in the broken area
• Visible deformity or twisted appearance
• Continued difficulty with movement or bearing weight
• Crackling sound or instability when moving
• Numbness, tingling, or poor grip (in hand fractures)

If you're experiencing any of these, it’s important to revisit your orthopedic specialist for further evaluation.

Are Some Bones More Likely to Have Healing Problems Than Others?

Yes, certain bones are more prone to healing problems due to limited blood supply or their structure. These include:

• Scaphoid (wrist bone) – often overlooked or diagnosed late
• Tibia (shinbone) – bears weight and has relatively poor blood flow
• Femoral neck (hip area) – commonly seen in older individuals
• Fifth metatarsal (foot) – vulnerable to stress fractures
• Clavicle (collarbone) – may heal improperly if not immobilized

These high-risk fractures often require closer follow-ups and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

Also Read: Protect Your Bones! All About Bone Cancer!

Why Is My Fracture Still Painful After Months?

Lingering pain can stem from:

• Delayed healing or nonunion
• Infection at the fracture site (osteomyelitis)
• Incorrect alignment (malunion)
• Soft tissue damage (muscles, ligaments, tendons)
• Hardware irritation from surgical pins, rods, or plates
• Nerve compression or damage

A bone that hasn't healed will continue to cause pain, especially during movement or weight-bearing. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, can aid in determining the root cause.

Is Swelling Normal Months After a Fracture?

Mild swelling can persist during recovery, especially with activity. However, swelling that remains beyond 8–12 weeks or becomes worse should be investigated. Possible reasons include:

• Chronic inflammation
• Poor circulation or blood pooling
• Infection
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs
• Soft tissue injury

If swelling is accompanied by redness, warmth, or fever, seek immediate medical attention.

Can a Non-Healing Fracture Cause Deformity or Limited Movement?

Absolutely. Improper healing can result in:

• Bone deformity, such as a visible bend or shortening of the limb
• Joint misalignment, leading to reduced flexibility
• Muscle imbalance due to uneven limb use
• Increased risk of arthritis, especially if the joint is involved
• Chronic pain or instability, making everyday tasks difficult

This is why monitoring fracture alignment during recovery is vital.

How Do I Know If My Fracture Has Healed Correctly?

Your doctor will confirm healing through:

1. Physical exam – checking for pain, strength, and range of motion
2. X-rays are used to examine bone remodeling and fracture line closure.
3. CT or MRI scans – in complex cases, to check for hidden issues
4. Function test – assessing the ability to walk, lift, or use the affected limb

A healed fracture should show no gap at the break site, and you should regain full function with minimal or no pain.

Can a Bone Stimulator Help Heal a Slow-Healing Fracture?

Yes. Bone stimulators are non-invasive medical devices that use either:

• Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) or
• Electrical stimulation

They work by:

• Stimulating bone-forming cells (osteoblasts)
• Increasing blood flow to the area
• Increasing cell activity and protein production near the fracture site.

Doctors may recommend them if:

• You have a nonunion or delayed union
• You’re not a candidate for surgery
• You want to avoid more invasive procedures

However, they work best when used early and as directed by a healthcare provider.

When Is Bone Graft Surgery Recommended?

Bone grafting is typically required when:

• There is a large gap between bone fragments
• The bone has not healed for more than 6-9 months.
• There’s been bone loss due to infection, trauma, or tumor removal
• Additional stability is needed during revision surgery

Types of bone grafts:

• Autograft (from your own body, often the pelvis)
• Allograft (from a donor)
• Synthetic grafts (calcium-based or bioactive materials)

The graft helps stimulate new bone growth and fill gaps to promote healing.

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Is Repeat Surgery Necessary for a Non-Healing Fracture?

Sometimes, yes. Repeat or revision surgery may be needed when:

• The fracture has not healed with conservative methods
• Previous surgical hardware has failed or shifted
• Bone alignment needs correction
• There is an underlying infection or dead tissue
• A more rigid fixation or bone graft is required

This surgery may involve:

• Removing old plates or screws
• Realigning the bone
• Adding a graft
• Using new, more stable hardware

The goal is to create a better environment for bone healing and prevent further complications.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Signs

Fractures that don’t heal properly are not just frustrating — they can lead to lifelong disability if left untreated. If your recovery seems slow, painful, or incomplete, don’t wait it out. Seek timely medical attention to identify the issue and take corrective action.

When to See Your Doctor?

• Pain or swelling lasting longer than 6–8 weeks
• Loss of function in the limb
• No signs of healing on follow-up X-rays
• Unusual mobility or clicking at the fracture site
• Worsening symptoms after initial improvement