Femoral non-union above a fused knee: Successful treatment with exchange nailing and intramedullary delivery of bone morphogenetic protein

Bone healing is a complex and well-orchestrated physiological process, in which bone repairs and regenerates regaining its original biomechanical and biochemical properties. It is estimated that 5 to 10% of all fractures are complicated by delayed union or non-union. Progression to non-union is thought to be multifactorial, even though the exact biological sequence remains obscure.

Treatment should aim to addressing deficiencies in both the mechanical and biological components, along with eliminating co-factors that could negatively affect the locally induced fracture healing response.

We report a case of a 78-year-old patient who presented with a distal femoral non-union above a previously fused knee, which was successfully managed with exchange nailing and intramedullary delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7).