SUMMARY
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of diabetic patients who were treated for a fracture nonunion against matched controls.Materials and Methods: Sixty-one diabetic patients (type 1 or type 2) were identified from a prospective database. This cohort was paired with matched controls and univariate analysis was performed to evaluate for differences in complication rates, time to bony union and functional outcomes at 3, 6, 12, and greater than 24 months post-operatively.Results: The diabetic group was composed of 29 females and 32 males, with an average age of 58 years, and 17 upper extremity nonunions and 43 lower extremity nonunions. Time to bony union, complication rate or functional outcomes at any follow-up time point did not significantly differ between groups.Conclusions: The comorbidity of diabetes mellitus does not lead to worse functional outcomes or increased complications following surgical treatment for a fracture nonunion.