Is non-union of tibial shaft fractures due to nonculturable bacterial pathogens? A clinical investigation using PCR and culture techniques.

Background: Non-union continues to be one of the orthopedist's greatest challenges. Despite effective culture methods, the detection of low-grade infection in patients with non-union following tibial fracture still presents a challenge. We investigated whether "aseptic" tibial non-union can be the result of an unrecognized infection.