FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF FRACTURE HEALING IN DIABETIC VERSUS NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS.
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Keywords
Diabetes mellitus; Fracture healing; Functional outcome; Delayed union; Orthopedic fractures
Abstract
Background:
Fracture healing is a complex biological process influenced by several systemic factors, including metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus. Diabetes has been associated with impaired bone metabolism, delayed fracture healing, and increased risk of postoperative complications. Understanding the impact of diabetes on fracture healing and functional recovery is important for optimizing patient management and improving treatment outcomes.
Objective: To evaluate and compare the functional outcome of fracture healing in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients.
Methods: This comparative observational study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 100 patients with fractures were included and divided into two groups: diabetic patients (n = 50) and non-diabetic patients (n = 50). Demographic details, fracture characteristics, healing time, complications, and functional outcomes were recorded. Fracture healing was assessed clinically and radiologically during follow-up. Functional outcomes were evaluated based on mobility, pain, and ability to perform daily activities. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent Student’s t-test for continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical variables, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of patients in the diabetic group was 56.4 ± 10.2 years, while in the non-diabetic group it was 52.3 ± 11.3 years, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.07). The mean fracture healing time was significantly longer in diabetic patients (18.6 ± 4.2 weeks) compared with non-diabetic patients (15.3 ± 3.8 weeks) (p = 0.001). Complications such as delayed union, infection, and nonunion were more common among diabetic patients (p = 0.04). Functional outcomes were better in the non-diabetic group, with a higher proportion of excellent outcomes and fewer poor outcomes (p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus adversely affects fracture healing and functional recovery. Diabetic patients demonstrated prolonged healing time, higher complication rates, and poorer functional outcomes compared with non-diabetic patients. Careful monitoring, strict glycemic control, and appropriate rehabilitation may help improve outcomes in diabetic patients with fractures.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar1
*MBBS, MD (Medicine) Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine KANTI DEVI MEDICAL COLLEGE Hospital and Research centre, MATHURA(UP)
Dr. Sumit Gill
MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) Sumit Bone & Joint Centre Issandh Road, PANIPAT-13210
Dr. Saurav Rrishu
MBBS, DNB Orthopaedic Surgery Sumit Bone & Joint centre Assandh Road, PANIPAT-132103
