Which procedure is often the last resort for non-healing fractures?

Arthrodesis is considered the last resort for non-healing fractures due to its objective of fusing two bones together to eliminate movement at the joint, which can help stabilize the area when other treatments have failed. This surgical procedure is commonly used when fractures do not heal properly or when there is incessant instability that does not respond to less invasive treatment methods.

In cases of non-union or delayed union, where the bone fails to heal adequately, arthrodesis can provide a definitive solution by promoting bone healing through stabilization. This procedure is particularly relevant when conservative methods or fixation techniques have been exhausted without achieving satisfactory results.

In contrast, closed reduction and skeletal traction are typically non-invasive measures aimed at realigning or stabilizing the fracture rather than addressing cases of non-healing fractures. Additionally, a synovectomy, which involves the removal of the synovial membrane, is not directly related to treating fractures but rather to joint diseases or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, arthrodesis stands out as a critical intervention for managing persistent fracture non-healing where joint stability is increasingly compromised.