A fracture occurs when your bone is broken. Depending on the location, nature, and degree of your fractures Munster, a specialist will employ various techniques to mend them. Bones can take weeks to months to recover, depending on the degree of the fracture and how closely you follow the specialist’s advice. The usual duration for bone healing is 6 to 8 weeks; however, it might vary because of the location and nature of the damage. Moreover, patients frequently stop feeling pain before the broken bone heals and the limb is ready for normal activities.
An overview of bone fractures
A broken bone is medically defined as a bone fracture. Traumas such as falls, vehicle accidents, or sports injuries are common causes of fractures. However, some medical issues and repeated stresses (such as jogging) might raise your chance of developing specific types of fractures. If you break a bone, surgery may be required to heal it. Some patients need a splint, cast, brace, or sling to mend their bones.
The phases of bone healing
When a bone is broken, it usually goes through three phases of healing:
- The inflammatory stage: The inflammatory stage, also known as fracture hematoma development, is the initial stage of healing that begins soon following the injury. According to one study, blood vessels damaged by the fracture leak blood 48 hours after the injury. This blood starts to clot, forming a fracture hematoma. Some bone cells around the fracture die due to the disturbance in blood supply to the bone. Additionally, this inflammatory stage lasts about a week following the fracture.
- The repairing stage: The mending or reparative phase begins a few days after the bone fracture and lasts around 2 to 3 weeks. The body builds cartilage and tissue in and around the fracture site during this time. The tissue develops a soft collar at the shattered ends of the bones and grows until the two ends meet. These growths are called calluses, and they serve to stabilize the fracture. During the next few weeks, the tissue callus will be replaced by a bony callus composed of a spongy bone called trabecular bone.
- Bone remodeling: The remodeling stage of fracture healing is the final stage. Solid bone replaces spongy bone at this stage, completing the healing cycle. The outer surface of the bone may remain somewhat swollen for some time after surgery, but this should decrease on its own.
How to diagnose bone fractures
Your clinician will use a physical evaluation and imaging examinations to identify a bone fracture. This may be conducted in the emergency room if you’re admitted to the hospital following a trauma. Conversely, if you are rushed to the emergency room, a team of providers will stabilize you and manage your injuries in order of severity, specifically if they are life-threatening. After you have been stabilized, imaging tests will be required to confirm any fractures.
Even though bone fractures are frequent injuries, they can be frightening. Talk to your physician or surgeon about what to anticipate if you break a bone. Furthermore, most patients who break a bone recover entirely and may resume pre-injury routines and activities with no long-term consequences. Call North Point Orthopaedics or book your consultation online to learn more about bone fracture procedures.
