Intermediate
Technical
IVT
malunion
Pronunciation: mal-YOON-yun
Healing of a fractured bone in an improper position, resulting in deformity or functional impairment.
Full Definition
A fracture healing complication where the bone heals in an anatomically incorrect position, leading to deformity, shortening, angulation, or rotation. Malunion occurs when fracture fragments are not properly reduced or maintained in correct alignment during the healing process. This can result in functional limitations, pain, arthritis, or cosmetic deformity. Treatment may involve corrective osteotomy to realign the bone and restore proper anatomy and function.
Usage
Usage note: Write as one word, not 'mal-union'. Distinguish from nonunion (failure to heal) and delayed union (slow healing).
In Context
- "The patient developed malunion with 15 degrees of angulation at the fracture site." — Follow-up examination
- "Corrective osteotomy was recommended to address the symptomatic malunion." — Treatment plan
Also known as
improper union
faulty union
Contrasted with
proper union
anatomical healing
Don't confuse with
nonunion
delayed union