Things that Can Affect Fracture Healing

There are various factors that affect the fracture healing process. These factors are separated into two categories - local variables and systematic variables. Both of them affect the rate and the degree of the healing of the broken bones. When the fracture healing process takes more time than usual, it is called as delayed union. If the bones do not join, it is termed as non-union of the bones. Certain factors are responsible for these problems, including the following:

1. Systemic factors

*Age - Age is a major factor in the healing process of any broken bone. It is faster in children than in adults. The bones of a baby are made of cartilages also they have ability to repair and heal at a faster rate.

*Nutrition - Sufficient amount of nutrients are essential for the healing of broken bones. Nutrients like carbohydrates and proteins are required in adequate quantity. Vitamin C helps calcium to absorb calcium from blood.

*Systemic diseases-A person having diabetes will likely experience delay in healing.

*Hormones - Hormones such as calcitonin and thyroid also play a vital role during the treatment of fractures.

2. Local variables.

*Type of bone - Different bones take different duration of time to heal.

*Degree of trauma - If the injury is severe and it has damaged the surrounding tissues it will take more time to heal.

*Vascular injury - Due to vascular injury, blood supply is affected, which may result in delayed healing.

*Degree of immobilization - Immobilized fractured parts heal faster. If the fractured bone keeps moving, this may cause further injury.

The healing of fractures is influenced by multiple variables.