$complete bone fracture$

Smoking, which constricts the blood vessels and decreases circulation.

Movement of the bone fragments weightbearing too soon.

What Can Hinder Bone Healing?Ī wide variety of factors can slow down the healing process. An exercise program designed for the patient can help in regaining strength and balance and can assist in returning to normal activities. Once the bone is adequately healed, physical therapy often plays a key role in rehabilitation. During the immobilization period, weightbearing is restricted as instructed by the surgeon.

$complete bone fracture$

Depending on the type of fracture or surgical procedure, the surgeon may use some form of fixation (such as screws, plates or wires) on the fractured bone and/or a cast to keep the bone from moving. Smoking and high glucose levels interfere with bone healing.įor all patients with fractured bones, immobilization is a critical part of treatment because any movement of bone fragments slows down the initial healing process. Smoking cessation and adequate control of blood sugar levels in people living with diabetes are important. The surgeon may offer advice on diet and nutritional supplements that are essential to bone growth. If a bone will be cut during a planned surgical procedure, some steps can be taken pre- and postoperatively to help optimize healing. This will depend on the location and severity of the fracture, the type of surgical procedure performed and other considerations. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine when the patient is ready to bear weight on the area. In general, children's bones heal faster than those of adults. Once adequate bone healing has occurred, weightbearing (such as standing or walking) encourages bone remodeling.īone generally takes six to 12 weeks to heal to a significant degree. In addition, blood circulation in the area improves. In remodeling, bone continues to form and becomes compact, returning to its original shape. Bone remodeling, the final phase of bone healing, goes on for several months.As healing progresses, the soft callus is replaced with hard bone (known as hard callus), which is visible on x-rays several weeks after the fracture.

$complete bone fracture$

Bone production begins when the clotted blood formed by inflammation is replaced with fibrous tissue and cartilage (known as soft callus).This provides the initial structural stability and framework for producing new bone. When the bone is fractured, there is bleeding into the area, leading to inflammation and clotting of blood at the fracture site. Inflammation starts immediately after the bone is fractured and lasts for several days.The bone healing process has three overlapping stages: inflammation, bone production and bone remodeling. This is true whether a bone has been cut as part of a surgical procedure or fractured through an injury. The bone healing process is the same in all broken bones. Please enable Javascript in your browser. Javascript is required to view the content on this page.

$complete bone fracture$

Complete bone fracture