TABLE II.
Most Common Criteria for Assessing Fracture Union According to Location of Fracture Based on Articles Reviewed*
| Femur | Tibia | Humerus | Forearm | Radius | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proximal fracture | |||||
| Radiographic assessment | Bridging of fracture site | Obliteration of fracture line | Obliteration of fracture line or bridging of fracture site | — | — |
| Clinical assessment | No pain during weight-bearing | Ability to bear weight | Ability to perform activities of daily living without pain, or no residual pain at fracture site, or full range of motion at adjacent joint | — | — |
| Shaft fracture | |||||
| Radiographic assessment | Bridging of fracture site | Bridging of fracture site | Bridging of fracture site | Obliteration of fracture line | — |
| Clinical assessment | No pain during weight-bearing | No pain during weight-bearing | No pain on palpation/examination | No pain on palpation/examination | — |
| Distal fracture | |||||
| Radiographic assessment | Bridging of fracture site | Bridging of fracture site | Bridging of fracture site | — | Obliteration of fracture line or calcification of callus |
| Clinical assessment | No pain during weight-bearing | No pain during weight-bearing or ability to bear weight | No pain on palpation/examination | — | No residual pain at fracture site |
*
The most common radiographic criteria (based on plain radiographs) and clinical definitions for fracture union are given. If more than one definition was used equally for a given region, then all are listed. A dash indicates that none of the reviewed studies provided a definition for fracture union for that body region.