Variability in the Definition and Perceived Causes of Delayed Unions and Nonunions

Abstract

Surgeons use similar prognostic factors to define and assess delayed unions and nonunions, but there is a lack of consensus in the definitions of delayed union and nonunion. The need for standardization and future randomized trials was strongly endorsed.

What are the Patterns of Prophylactic Postoperative Oral Antibiotic Use After Foot and Ankle Surgery?

“…The initial survey often confirms a need for future randomized studies, with the goal of practice standardization. Response rates vary widely in orthopaedic questionnaire studies and range from 15% to 72.7% for online surveys [4,5,18,20,25,31,35,37,55,56]. While this method is valuable in reaching a large population, relatively low response rates similar to ours are common in the orthopaedic literature in general [5,18,25,31,37,56] and specifically in the same population polled in our study [25,31].…”

“…Response rates vary widely in orthopaedic questionnaire studies and range from 15% to 72.7% for online surveys [4,5,18,20,25,31,35,37,55,56]. While this method is valuable in reaching a large population, relatively low response rates similar to ours are common in the orthopaedic literature in general [5,18,25,31,37,56] and specifically in the same population polled in our study [25,31]. Our study design of strict responder anonymity precluded sampling the nonresponders to evaluate for nonresponder bias.…”

Which Fixation Device is Preferred for Surgical Treatment of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures in the United States? A Survey of Orthopaedic Surgeons

“…The percentages of respondents who use primarily (A) sliding hip screws, (B) cephalomedullary nails, and (C) sliding hip screws and cephalomedullary nails equally in training versus in current practice are presented. [4,14,20], could introduce responder bias. Our data may not be generalizable to the entire practicing population in the country; however, the survey does reflect the current treatment practices and perceptions of nearly 4000 surgeons.…”

“…(4) What postoperative approaches do surgeons use for intertrochanteric fractures? Methods A web-based survey containing 20 questions was distributed to active members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.…”

Is Radiation Necessary for Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of Bone? Clinical Results With Contemporary Therapy

“…Fracture outcomes were reviewed for evidence of healing, delayed union, nonunion, and malunion. Variability exists in the definitions of fracture healing [6]; for the purpose of our study, delayed union was defined as union after 6 months and nonunion was defined as failure of union by 9 months [18,47]. Union times for pretreatment fractures were estimated from the date the patient completed three cycles of systemic therapy.…”