Fracture healing is a critical aspect of orthopedic care, with standard treatment protocols successfully healing approximately 85% of fractures. However, about 10% of fractures experience delayed healing, and 5% progress to nonunion. Despite extensive research over the past century, accurately predicting fracture outcomes at the patient level remains elusive. This variability complicates treatment decisions and underscores the necessity for improved diagnostic and prognostic tools to better manage fracture care.

This Research Topic aims to address the ongoing challenges in diagnosing and treating both delayed healing and fracture nonunion. Current methodologies for distinguishing between normal healing, delayed healing, and nonunion are limited in their predictability and timing, often leading to prolonged periods of uncertainty and potentially suboptimal care. By investigating and sharing innovative strategies, diagnostic tools, and prognostic methods, we seek to enhance the standard of care for fracture management. Contributors are encouraged to explore how early and accurate patient-specific prognosis could alter treatment paths, reduce incremental costs, and improve patient outcomes.

We invite contributions that delve into various aspects of delayed fracture healing and fracture nonunion, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of current practices and future possibilities. Manuscripts may include original research, review articles, clinical studies, and case reports. Specific themes for contributions include, but are not limited to:

o Current methodologies for identifying and diagnosing fracture nonunion versus delayed healing in 2024
o Diagnostic tools and approaches used in clinical practice, their application, and effectiveness
o Cost analysis of treating delayed healing fractures and nonunions compared to normal healing fractures
o Clinicians' perspectives on ideal solutions for distinguishing between normal healing, delayed healing, and nonunion
o Potential changes in treatment strategies if early differentiation between fracture healing outcomes could be reliably achieved
o Prognostic methods currently in use and their reliability beyond watchful waiting

By examining these themes, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of both delayed healing fractures and fracture nonunions and encourage the development of more effective diagnostic and treatment protocols.

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Frontiers in Surgery

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