Pseudo-joint is the result of a disturbance in the fusion of a fractured bone, most often in the humerus, scaphoid and tibia. The formation of a pseudo-joint occurs despite the anastomosis and immobilization of the broken bone and gradually leads to degenerative-deforming changes. What are the symptoms of a pseudo-pond? What is rehabilitation? When is surgery necessary?

A pseudo-jointis a defect in the continuity of the bone that is filled with fibrous tissue. This defect is formed at the site of the bone fracture - where two bone fragments should heal.

Pseudo-pond - causes

A pseudo-joint is formed as a result of a disturbance in the fusion of a broken bone. In the place where two bone fragments should fuse, their movable connection is created, i.e. the joint (however, it is pathological mobility). This happens despite the fixation and immobilization of the broken bone.

Pseudo-joint most often arises as a result of a fracture of the humerus, femur, scaphoid and tibia.

The abnormal union of a broken bone, and then the formation of a pseudo-joint, can occur for various reasons, including:

  • displacement of bone fragments
  • bone tissue inflammation
  • extensive tissue trauma in the fracture area
  • some systemic diseases (including diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney failure, eating disorders)
  • hormonal disorders (e.g. hyperparathyroidism)
  • improper bone fixation by a doctor

The cause of a pseudo-joint may also be a late diagnosis of a fracture, and thus - late start of treatment, especially in the wrist scaphoid.

Pseudo-pond - symptoms

  • fractured bone pain, which increases when you try to move the affected limb

The pseudo-joint reveals itself about 6 months after the fracture.

  • limiting the range of motion of the diseased limb
  • warming and swelling of the fractured bone area
  • distorted contour of the diseased limb

Pseudo-pond - diagnosis

Diagnosis is made on the basis of an X-ray (X-ray) of the sick bone, which is performed 9 months afterinjury. The photo shows no proper bone union at the fracture site, but a wide fissure.

Bone scintigraphy may also be helpful in making a diagnosis.

Pseudo-pond - treatment and rehabilitation

Treatment of a pseudo-joint includes:

  • physical therapy (e.g. laser therapy, magnetotherapy, ultrasound, cryotherapy)
  • contralateral massage, i.e. therapeutic massage performed on the appropriate part of the he althy limb in relation to the diseased limb, in order to improve the blood supply to the diseased limb
  • diet - its basis is calcium, protein and vitamin D, i.e. ingredients necessary for the proper functioning of bones

You can also use stem cell transplant to stimulate its proper growth, and the Ilizarov apparatus, which not only stimulates the production of bone tissue, but also allows you to control the correction of the axis of the damaged bone.

Surgical treatment of the pseudo-joint - with the use of bone grafts or metal connectors - is performed when the above-mentioned treatment methods are not working. However, this only applies to larger pseudo-ponds. The smaller ones (e.g.wrist scaphoid pseudo-joint)are operated with an arthroscopic method, which is much less invasive than traditional surgery. A small hole the size of a keyhole is used to clean the diseased bone, set it and fix it with implants, and possibly fill the defects with fragments of a graft, which is usually taken from the iliac plate.

Category:

Spine, bones, joints