Table 1 Risk factors for non-union

Smoking

Age

Open reduction (poor quality of primary ORIF)^a

Alcohol

Male gender

Open fracture (more bone loss and soft tissue injury)

Nutritional deficiency (including vitamin D)

Genetic predisposition^b

Wedge and multi-fragmentary fracture pattern

High BMI

Diabetes (metabolic disease)

Initial displacement

Peripheral vascular disease

Compartment syndrome^a

Osteoporosis

Affected bone: highest in tibia

Chronic inflammatory disease

Fracture site in relation to vascularisation zone

Renal insufficiency

Presence of fracture gap post-surgery^a

Insulin^a

Poor mechanical stability by initial implant^a

Opiates^a

Infection^a

NSAIDs^a

Steroids^a

Antibiotics^a

Anticoagulants^a

Chemotherapeutics^a