Anyone have non-union (failure to heal) fractures? Treatment options?

Posted by mikebinla @mikebinla, Dec 10, 2025

I am a 60-year-old male with sarcoma in my pelvis. This has been an ongoing issue as I was previously treated with Doxorubicin chemotherapy and high dose radiation. I am currently dealing with another tumor, large left acetabulum fracture and areas of necrosis. Due to the previous radiation, there is an issue of non-union and the described necrosis. My physician is recommending surgery to repair the instability, non-union, and delayed healing; he is stating that I will require a 2-year healing window post-surgery.
I am wondering if anyone has dealt with similar fractures or non-union issues (possibly due to previous radiation) and if you have tried other options such as stem cell treatments, bone stimulators, and/or biocomposites like NanoBone? I’m hoping to avoid the surgery; if anyone has any knowledge of a successful treatment protocol other than surgery, I’d appreciate your advice and counsel.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Sarcoma Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 21, 2025

@mikebinla, I pulled your question about necrosis and non-union (failure to heal) issues into its own discussion here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-have-non-union-failure-to-heal-fractures-treatment-options/

I found this review about treatment approaches from Mayo Clinic
- A comprehensive, expedited approach for nonunions https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/orthopedic-surgery/news/a-comprehensive-expedited-approach-for-nonunions/mac-20537628

And this recent literature review
- State of the Nonunion: A review of the latest literature https://orthopedicreviews.openmedicalpublishing.org/article/129085-state-of-the-nonunion-a-review-of-the-latest-literature

I'm tagging fellow members @debscan68 @sherlock999 @help2025 @ellengrubb, who may have experience with long-healing of fractures, necrosis or non-union.

@mikebinla, have you decided to go ahead with surgery?

mikebinla | @mikebinla | Dec 26, 2025

Thanks Colleen! Pursuant to your question, no I have not moved forward with the surgery, as I'm fighting multiple battles. As stated previously, my previous treatment of high dose radiation destroyed my pelvis whilst possibly causing the new tumor. Unfortunately, my previous treatment also included the use Doxorubicin; as you know, one of its major side effects is cardiotoxicity. With that said, while trying to complete my latest round of biopsies in the pelvis, the procedure was interrupted when I began to experience cardiac issues. After being admitted to the hospital, and after numerous tests, I found out my heart was damaged consistent with issues caused by Doxorubicin. I spent several days in the hospital fighting congestive heart failure, so we'll have to get healthier, and regroup before next step. thanks - mikebinla