The human skeleton has remarkable regenerative properties, being one of the few structures in the body that can heal by recreating its normal cellular composition, orientation and mechanical strength. When the healing process of a fractured bone fails owing to inadequate immobilization, failed surgical intervention, insufficient biological response or infection, the outcome after a prolonged period of no healing is defined as non-union. Non-union represents a chronic medical condition not only affecting function but also potentially impacting the individual’s psychosocial and economic well-being. This Primer provides the reader with an in-depth understanding of our contemporary knowledge regarding the important features to be considered when faced with non-union. The normal mechanisms involved in bone healing and the factors that disrupt the normal signalling mechanisms are addressed. Epidemiological considerations and advances in the diagnosis and surgical therapy of non-union are highlighted and the need for greater efforts in basic, translational and clinical research are identified.

人体骨骼具有显着的再生特性，是身体中少数可以通过重建其正常细胞组成、方向和机械强度来愈合的结构之一。当骨折的愈合过程由于固定不足、手术干预失败、生物反应不足或感染而失败时，长时间不愈合后的结果被定义为不愈合。不愈合是一种慢性疾病，不仅会影响功能，还会潜在地影响个人的社会心理和经济福祉。这本入门读物让读者深入了解我们在面对非结合时要考虑的重要特征方面的当代知识。涉及骨愈合的正常机制和破坏正常信号机制的因素得到解决。突出了不愈合诊断和手术治疗的流行病学考虑和进展，并确定了在基础、转化和临床研究方面做出更大努力的必要性。