Malunion means a broken bone has healed, but in a non-anatomic position. Malunion is a clinical concept and complication of fracture healing. It is commonly used in orthopedic trauma, hand surgery, pediatric orthopedics, and rehabilitation settings. Clinicians use the term when describing deformity, altered mechanics, or symptoms after a fracture has “united.”
Nonunion is a failure of a fractured bone to heal as expected. It is a clinical condition and diagnostic concept used in fracture care. It is commonly discussed in orthopedics, trauma, sports medicine, and rehabilitation settings. It helps clinicians describe why pain, instability, or loss of function persists after a fracture.
Delayed Union is a fracture-healing concept describing slower-than-expected progression to solid bone healing. It is a clinical and radiographic assessment category, not a single test or procedure. It is commonly used in fracture clinics, trauma follow-up, and postoperative orthopedic care. It helps clinicians communicate prognosis and consider whether additional evaluation or treatment is needed.
Callus Formation is the body’s organized repair response that helps stabilize and heal injured bone. It is a **concept** in fracture biology that describes new tissue forming around a fracture site. In practice, it is most often discussed when interpreting fracture healing on exam and imaging. Orthopedic teams use it to judge whether healing is progressing and whether stability is adequate.
Bone Healing is the biological process by which bone repairs itself after injury or surgery. It is a core musculoskeletal **concept** that integrates anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and clinical decision-making. Clinicians discuss Bone Healing when evaluating fractures, osteotomies, spinal fusion, and implant fixation. It is commonly assessed in practice using history, physical exam, and serial imaging.
Full Weight Bearing is a clinical concept describing permission to place the entire body weight through an injured or operated limb. It is a rehabilitation and mobility instruction, not a diagnosis or a surgical procedure. It is commonly used in orthopedic trauma, joint replacement, sports medicine, and inpatient/outpatient physical therapy. It is typically documented as part of a postoperative or post-injury plan alongside activity and assistive-device guidance.
Partial Weight Bearing is a gait and activity restriction that limits how much body weight a person places through an injured or healing limb. It is a clinical **concept** and **rehabilitation instruction**, not a diagnosis or a specific procedure. It is commonly used after fractures, orthopedic surgery, and certain soft-tissue injuries. It is typically implemented and monitored by orthopedic teams and rehabilitation clinicians (physical therapy and occupational therapy).
Non Weight Bearing is a mobility restriction where a limb is kept from supporting body weight during standing or walking. It is a clinical concept and rehabilitation instruction used in orthopedics, trauma care, and postoperative management. It is commonly applied after fractures, tendon or ligament repairs, and certain joint surgeries. It is typically implemented using assistive devices such as crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Weight Bearing describes how much body weight is permitted or tolerated through a limb or joint. It is a clinical concept used to guide safe movement after injury, surgery, or in painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is commonly referenced in orthopedic orders, physical therapy plans, gait training, and rehabilitation protocols. It is also used in imaging, where weight-bearing views can better show joint alignment and cartilage loss.
Ergonomics is the science of fitting work, tools, and environments to human capabilities. Ergonomics is a clinical and public-health concept rather than an anatomy structure or a single procedure. Ergonomics is commonly used in orthopedics, occupational medicine, rehabilitation, and workplace health. Ergonomics aims to reduce musculoskeletal stress while supporting safe, efficient function.