Non-union
- arrest of progression to union at fracture site
- > 6-9 /12
- no visible progressive signs of healing for at least three consecutive months
- individualise for each fracture
- when the surgeon believes the fracture has little or no chance to heal
Delayed union
- failure of fracture to unite within expected time
- still may spontaneously unite
Fracture which extends between the trochanters of the proximal femur
- lower limit is inferior border of lesser tuberosity
Extra capsular / well vascularized
The key to stability is the posteromedial cortex
Fracture below lesser trochanter / proximal 5 cm femur
Young patients / high velocity injuries
Old patients / osteoporosis
Convincing association with development of osteoarthritis
- arthritic changes beginning at radial styloid
- progress to scaphocapitate & capitolunate