5. Exuberance of callus with consequent limitation of motion.
6. Insufficient amount or absence of callus, which, when bone ends are bathed in joint fluids, is not often thrown out.
All of these are immediate consequences. The following are among the more undesirable remote consequences of the same injuries:
1. Exuberant callus, which may be the result of too early attempt to move the parts, or may result from other causes; it offers more or less mechanical obstruction to joint movements.
2. Separation of fragments to an extent precluding the possibility of repair, and interfering with function.
3. Pseudo-ankylosis, as a result of condensation and organization of blood clot between joint surfaces.
4. Adhesion of tendons to surrounding callus or within their own sheaths.
5. Displacement and distortion of bone ends with vicious union, for which the medical attendant is sometimes responsible. Unfortunate consequences of this kind are generally seen at the elbow after fractures of the condyles; at the wrist, after incomplete reduction of Colles’ fracture; at the hip, when insufficient traction has been made; at the ankle, after the complete form of Pott’s fracture.
6. Exostoses and osteophytic outgrowths, which often complicate fractures.
7. Absorption of bone, which is usually seen after fractures of the neck of the femur.