Introduction
A bone fracture is the most common condition. Bone healing is a complex process, where the bone is one of the tissues that heals without forming any scars. A fracture is a broken bone condition. The treatment of the broken bone depends on its severity, location, and type. The fracture can be a complete bone fracture or a partial fracture. Each bone healing is different for each person. Read the article to know more.
What Is a Bone Fracture?
A bone fracture is when a crack or break occurs in the bone. Fracture usually occurs when too much force is exerted over the bone that the bone can generally withstand. The common regions where bone fracture occurs are the wrist, hip, and ankle.
Is It Necessary to Treat the Bone Fracture?
If the fractured bone is not treated correctly by placing it in its original position, it will heal in an unusual position. The main aim of treating a fractured bone is to bring back the broken bone to its normal anatomical position. There are various severities of bone fractures, which range from mild to severe. If the bone fracture is not treated correctly, it can result in
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Loss of functioning.
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Bone weakness.
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Improper healing.
What Are the Complications of Untreated Bone Fracture?
Some of the complications of untreated bone fractures are
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Blood clot formation in the close by blood vessels.
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Damaged skin, tissue, or muscle around the fracture.
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The nearby joint can cause swelling as bleeding occurs in the joint space.
What Happens When the Broken Bone Heals?
There are usually three stages of bone healing, they are
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The Inflammatory Stage:
When an injury to the bone causes broken bone, the body sends a message from special cells to reach the injured area. These cells can result in inflammation of the injured area. Inflammation can make the injured area red, swollen, and painful. This signals the body to cease using this area until the bone is healed. Other cells that reach the injured area result in hematoma formation, which are the blood clots surrounding the broken bone. These blood clots act as a bridge between the broken pieces of the bone.
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The Reparative Stage:
The stage of healing starts in a week post-injury. In this stage, a soft bone called a callus will be formed, which replaces the blood clots formed between the broken bone in the inflammatory stage. This callus plays a main role by holding the broken parts of the bone together, but these are not strong connections, so they cannot perform any function. In some time, the callus gets more brutal, and in about two to six weeks, this hard callus becomes strong enough to be used by the body.
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The Remodeling Stage:
This stage starts about six weeks post-fracture. During this stage, the normal bone replaces the hard callus. In the X-ray, any healing bone will be uneven. But this will be corrected in some time, and the bone will be reshaped so it can be used generally for its functioning.
What Are the Conditions That Can Affect Bone Healing?
The bone healing will not take place in certain conditions, such as
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If the person has a severely broken bone.
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If the area surrounding the broken bone has damaged tissues and muscles.
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If the person has a vitamin deficiency.
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If the person already has any other health issues like osteoporosis, osteogenesis, anemia, or diabetes.
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If the person is already under certain medications.
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Consumes alcohol or smokes.
What Are the Different Ways That a Bone Can Be Healed?
Depending on the type, severity, and location of the bone fracture, the treatment is designed in such as
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Traditional Cast:
Once the broken bone is repositioned into its original position, the bones will be immobilized using a plaster or a fiberglass cast. This will allow the bone to heal in the proper position. This method allows only limited movements of the nearby joints. Fractures of the leg, wrist, hand, and foot are healed through plaster or clast.
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Functional Cast:
The functional cast is also known as a brace, which differs from the traditional cast method of bone healing. In this method, the doctors usually place an initial cast along with the broken bone, which will be removed after a while. Then, the limb is placed in a functional brace, which results in early mobility.
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Open Reduction:
If the bone fracture is severe, the doctors will recommend surgery to correct it. In the case of this method, the doctors will open the broken bone and reposition it using their hands. The open reduction method is chosen when the bone fracture is worse and cannot be healed with the help of a cast.
There Are Two Types of Open Reduction
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Open Reduction Along With Internal Fixation:
In this procedure, there will be attachments of screws and plates to the outer bone surface. In some cases, the doctor may place a metal rod in the center of the bone so that the broken pieces will be firmly held in position.
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Open Reduction Along With External Fixation:
This procedure places an external device over the injured limb post-surgery. Pins and screws will be placed over the fractured bone, which supports and immobilize the fractured bone during the process of healing.
What Are the Home Remedies That Can Be Followed in the Bone Healing Process?
Some home remedies that help in the bone healing process are
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Intake of protein supplements.
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Intake of antioxidants.
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Intake of mineral supplements.
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Herbal supplements.
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Regular and proper exercise.
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Quit smoking and consumption of alcohol.
What Is the Outlook on Bone Healing?
Once there is a broken bone, the first thing that a doctor does is place the broken bone back in position. There are many treatment methods to heal a broken bone. Depending on the fracture's severity and extent, healing of the broken bone can be determined. Post-healing of a fractured bone through surgery or a cast, the person will have restricted mobility for a while. There will be muscle loss during the healing process which can be recovered back through proper exercise.
Conclusion
Bone fracture is very common, whereas bone healing is very complex. Bone healing depends on the severity and the extent of the fracture. Bone healing can be done using a cast or brace; surgery is recommended in severe cases. Proper diet and regular exercise can also enhance the healing process of fractured bones.
