ABSTRACT

TIP: External callus is not visible on plain radiographs until 3-6 weeks after formation. Clinical bony union averages 4-8 weeks; however, total bony healing time is approximately 5-7 months.5

TIP: In general, avoid NSAIDs in settings of acute fracture, because animal studies report adverse fracture healing and increased nonunion rates. There is some level IV evidence that a short-duration NSAID regimen may be safe. NSAIDs disrupt the inflammatory phase of fracture healing.6