Infectious non-union is a condition in which fracture fails to unite due to some infectious process locally or systemically.
There are several classification systems for this type of non-union. Here we discuss four of them.
4 Classifications Systems of infectious non-union
- May’s classification
- Weiland
- Kulkarni
- Umiarov
May’s classification
It’s essentially the extension of classification of chronic osteomyelitis by May et.al. More details here
Weiland classification of infectious non-union
This classification uses the concept of extent of infection of bone and has three subtypes
- Type I: Open and exposed bone. No osseous infection. Only soft tissue infection
- Type 2: Circumferential cortical and endosteal infection
- Type 3: Cortico-endosteal infection with bone defect
Umiarov’s classification
This is one of a favorite classification amongst orthopedic practitioners. It has 4 types, namely
- Type I: Normotrophic without shortening
- Type II: Hypertropic with shortening
- Type III: Atrophic with shortening
- Type IV: Atrophic with bone and soft tissue defect
Kulkarni classification
This classification grades infective non-union based on severity of infection; apposition of fragments and presence or absence of deformity
