Phases Involved in the Fracture Healing Process

Do you know what happens with the broken bone after you met an accident? Have you ever thought how the broken bones heal and what are the phases involved during the fracture healing process? This is an interesting process. I will let you know what happens after the injury and what the phases of fracture healing are. You can hear a cracking sound if you have a broken bone. The fractured area gets swollen and you will feel pain. 

 Also there may be an irritation or inflammation around the fracture. As soon as the bone breaks, it starts bleeding. You must consult a doctor immediately so that you come to know about the severity of the broken bone. After knowing the type of fracture you have, you will get proper treatment. But do you know that before the treatment has started, the bone starts a healing process by itself? 

There are three major phases involved in the process, such as the following:

1.     Reactive phase: It is known as the inflammatory phase. The vessels stop bleeding and a clot is formed called hematoma. The outer cell of hematoma degenerates and dies. But some inner cells called fibroblasts remain alive and replicate. They form a loose layer of cells called granulation layer.

2.     Reparative phase:  After some days of fracture the inner lining of bone periosteum   also replicate to form chondroblasts. These chondroblasts fill the gap in the broken bones by making a net-like structure. The fibroblasts in the granulation tissue also develop into chondroblasts to form the hyaline cartilage. The process continues until the fractured gap is filled completely. This process is called as callus formation.

Importance of X-ray for Fracture Treatment

What is the role of X-rays in the fracture? X-ray shows the right position of the broken bone in the body. Without X-ray, it is not possible to see which bone/s is affected by the injury.

The X-rays shows the nature of the fracture, the condition of the bones and tissues, and whether any foreign objects have been introduced to the area. With the help of the X-ray results, doctor can take the right decision about the injury.  The images produced will also help the doctor determine what treatment can be done, like taping up ribs to immobilize them for healing. When broken bones are found in the extremities, they are often not exactly clean breaks and surgery may be needed to remove bone fragments, insert pins or rods to stabilize the bone, or realign the bones before any casts or immobilization aids can be applied to set the break.

When a person got into an accident, then there is lot of problem that can occur in finding the injury.  When an injury is not obvious, like a piece of bone is having broken the skin, X-rays must be taken to discern the exact nature of the break. Doctors always start their treatment after the X-ray. It is the right way of treatment. Not all breaks are obvious to the patient, or their companions, like broken ribs. Even a femoral fracture can be walked on, especially greenstick or stress fractures, with considerable pain, but it can be done.

Today’s there is the facility where you can have X-ray. So it is my suggestion to all the patients and the family members. Always use this facility when this type of problem occurs. The cost of this facility is usually around $150-400. In the government hospital this facility is free.

Other Treatments of the Fracture

In the other treatment of fractured bones, there are four common methods available.
1-SLINGS: Either triangular bandage or collar and cuff (covered lengths of foam tied with plastic fastenings)

2-CASTS:     Either original or lightweight. It can be weight bearing or non weight bearing.

3-INTERNAL FIXATION:   Screws, nails, pins, plates or wire can be used singularly or in any combination to achieve bony fixation and stability. The use of surgical techniques such as these often mean that rehabilitation of surrounding structures can begin that much earlier because the fracture site is held firmly. This aids recovery and helps avoid many associated complications.

4-EXTERNAL FIXATION: This group includes a variety of wires and supports sited outside the body that hold the broken bone together.

Treating fractured bones inevitably involves immobilizing the injured site to enable healing of the broken bone to occur. People have experienced some kind of bone fracture in their lifetime, whether treated or untreated. These can sometimes be in the form of a hairline fracture, or even a major break. Either way, fracturing a bone is no laughing matter, even if it's your funny bone.

Guide to Fracture Treatment

Most of the people are always confused with this question - what is the temporary and right treatment of fractured bones? Treatment depends on the type of fracture. Because in the time of a person is fractured. Its treatment depends on the situation or the type of the injury.

I have used this metallic method several times now and it is the standard of care today. Treating these some fragile fractures involves putting it back in place and securing one or more of these legs with plates and screws. Plate and screw fixation composed of the metal titanium and being very small in size works quite well for repairing facial bone injuries. 

Fixing the fractured facial bone can be done by an incision inside the mouth, through the lower eyelid, or both depending upon the degree of bone displacement. Now I am going to tell you about the process of treating fracture.

1-Emergency treatment

2-Surgery

3- Reduction of fractured bones - aligning broken ends of a bone

4-Closed reduction

5-Open reduction

6-Plaster cast

7-Splinting

8-Traction

9-Rehabilitation

10-Physiotheraphy

The doctor first checks the type of fracture that you have before making a decision, which as to which would be the better treatment of the injury. Treatment is very important for the person who is fractured to improve the quality of his life, help him gain back productivity, and reduce physical limitations. If the treatment is not done right, this could lead to worse problems, such as the fractured bone being disfigured or inability to move.

Some Initial Level of Fracture Treatment

Fracture is the separation of the bone into two or more than two parts. There are different types of fractured bones like open and closed types. Open fractured injuries are more challenging and they create a lot of problems for the physicians. In earlier time, we had limited technologies for fracture treatment. Most of these cases are treated by splinting and casting afterwards. 

This is the most reliable and one of the widely used treatments available in the past and in the present time as well. But it is not the only one treatment available for fractured bones. We have so many new technologies in medical sciences which are available for us. For complicated cases, splinting and casting method are not suitable. Firstly, they are surgically treated.

In open fractures, the bones may break into several parts, which need to be placed together, aligned and set during the treatment. These broken parts are pinned up by removable pins surgically so that the broken bone can heal properly. These pins can be removed later.

In a comminuted fracture, a permanent hardware is used for support. Metallic plates and rods are used as hardware support. During this type of surgery, the patient will feel stiffness and a lot of pain. This is quite painful so the physician only advises it when there is no other option available.

Healing process can be accelerated by dietary changes. Doctors advise to take food rich in calcium, protein and vitamin D for faster healing of the fractured bone. It would be better to consult a dietician for planning a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D needed for your body. In addition to that, some medicines are also recommended so that healing process becomes faster.

All About Bones and Fracture

I am going to share some incidents in my life related to fracture. Actually most people just avoid giving enough attention to their fractured bones but it is not good. My backbone was broken five weeks ago. When I was discharged from the clinic this week, my father told me that I can’t run or take part in any sport for eight weeks.

However, I was the goalkeeper of a soccer team and the team was due for trials. Then I asked the doctor who treated me if he can suggest anything to help the bone continue go stronger so that it won't break again when I return to field.

Bones form the skeletal system, which has a range of vital functions. They support muscles which are attached to them and enable us to move and stay upright. The yellow marrow of the bone stores minerals and lipids or fats. Both red and white blood cells are produced within the cavity of many bones. 

Bony structures such as the ribcage, skull, pelvic cradle and spinal column protect organs and some give leverage. Bone matrix (structure) consists of crystals of mineral salts such as calcium, phosphate and calcium carbonate, plus protein-based collagen fibers, which hold the minerals together. This makes bone strong, somewhat flexible and resistant to shattering.

Bones are involved in a constant dynamic process of degeneration and regeneration. The various cells include bone-making osteoblasts, which mature into osteocytes, and osteoblasts, which are involved in dissolving the bone. This is why the bones are not considered as static structures.

Fracture Treatment for Different Types of Fractures

Fracture is the separation of bone into two or more parts. They are classified into different types, such as open and closed fracture. The first type is more challenging and it creates a lot of problems for the physicians. In earlier time, we had limited technologies for fracture treatment. Most of the broken bones are treated by splinting and casting. These are proven reliable methods though and they are widely used treatments in the past and until now. But these are not the only treatments available for fractured bones. We have so many other technologies in medical science now which are available for us. For complicated fractures, splinting and casting method are not appropriate. They need to be surgically treated.

In open fractures, the bones may break into several parts which are placed together and their alignment is set. These broken parts are pinned up by removable pins surgically so that they can heal properly. These pins can be removed later.

In a comminuted fracture, permanent hardware is used for support. Metallic plates and rods are used as hardware support. During this type of surgery, the patient will feel stiffness and lot of pain. This is why it is only advised when no other option is available.

Doctors advise patients to take foods rich in calcium, protein and vitamin D for faster healing of the fractured bone. It would be better to consult a dietitian for planning a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D needed for your body. In addition to that, some medicines are also recommended so that the healing process becomes faster.

Guide to the Types of Fractures

The medical term used for a broken bone is fracture. On an average, a person can have two fracture-related injuries during a lifetime. It may vary from person to person depending on the lifestyle and activities of the individual. The risk of having fracture also depends on your age. Children are very prone to fractured bones but there cases are less complicated. While in adults, bones become very brittle and are more likely to get broken and bring complicated problems along with it. Fractures occur when there is more stress and force applied to the bone. The reason may be an accident, fall, sudden slip or constant stress.

Bony structures, like the ribcage and skull, protect the vital organs of our body. Bones with the help of tendons and muscles form a framework to support the body and its locomotion.

Fracture treatment totally depends on the type of fractured bone that you have. So let us discuss about the fracture types. They can be classified into four main categories:-

a) Displaced fractures-The bone breaks up into two or more parts in such a way that they are not lined up straight. If the bone breaks up into several parts, it is referred to as a comminuted fracture.

b) Non-displaced fracture-The bone is either cracked partially or all of them thoroughly. The broken bone remains at the same place and maintains its alignment.

c) Closed fracture- The broken bone does not rupture the skin at the site of fracture. This can be treated simply by splinting and casting method.

d) Open fracture- This can be a complicated injury. The bone breaks and comes out of the skin and it may recede back in the wound. Firstly, it is treated surgically and then the splinting method is used for its immobilization, which would help in proper healing of the fractured bone.

Guide to Fracture Treatment

In the present time, we have so many advanced technologies in medical sciences. Increase in advance technology has increased our ability to find new fracture treatment methods. First of all, the fractured bone must be placed back to its original position to heal properly. The treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and its type. So let us discuss the different types of fractured bones.

The first category involves the complete fracture in which the bone may be separated in fragments or incomplete fracture where bone fragments are still partially attached to each other.

The second category involves open or closed fracture. In an open fracture, the bone punctures the skin and is exposed outside while in the closed type, there is no exposure of any broken bone outside the skin.

Comminuted fracture is a type of injury in which there are more than one fragments. It may be linear, transverse or spiral.

Immobilization is the basic principle in treating a fracture. Preventing the movement of the fractured bone is of utmost importance. A physician will recommended splinting over the fractured bone. Applying splint will prevent the movement of the broken bone. If it is moved, it may cause further bleeding and may turn into an open fracture.

The second thing a physician should be aware of is if there is any nerve damage along with the fractured area. Fracture treatment depends on it. If there is any blood vessel damage, the nerve or artery has to be treated surgically before splinting. If there is a gap and angulations, it has to be treated surgically. Surgery and internal fixation helps in the treating fractured bones.

Immobilizing Methods for Fracture Treatment

Once the doctor has assessed the fracture in your limbs, the treatment gets started .The very first option for the treatment of a fractured limb is splinting. Splinting is the method in which padded pieces of plaster are placed over the injured limb. Some of the doctors can also use fiberglass instead of plaster. Both are still recommended and currently used on fractured bones today. The padded pieces of plaster are wrapped by using gauze. An elastic wrap is also used to prevent from movement of the fractured bone.

Splinting is only one of the methods used to immobilize the fracture. The entire joint around the injury site is prevented from moving by putting a splint around them. Splinting also helps to set the angle and position of the fractured bone. The broken bone is pushed to the original place.

After a few days of the injury, splinting is removed and circumferential casting is done over the fractured area. Initially casting cannot be done. The reason behind that is very interesting. What are the symptoms when the bone gets fractured? When there is a fracture the injured area swells. Some irritation and inflammation are also noticed with pain. If casting is done prior to the splinting, it may not work properly.

The casting is applying plaster of Paris which becomes hard and rigid. The liquid plaster of Paris is used in effective casting. It is then allowed to solidify to form a rigid shape. Some other components are also mixed together to form the mixture of cast. It helps immobilize the part the injured site for faster fracture treatment.

Does Surgery Help in Faster Fracture Healing?

The human beings are impatient by nature. They wants thing now, not later. This is a human nature and this is also applicable in medical science. Scientist invents new techniques to save time and perform the function on faster track.

When a patient having a fracture is asked to rest for a long duration, he becomes impatient. He wants to recover as soon as possible. He asks doctor for faster process of the fracture healing treatment. If doctor suggests splinting and casting for few months, he will ask for surgery. People often think that surgery helps in faster healing of the fractured bone.

Do you think that the surgery will help in faster fracture healing? It does not actually guarantee help in the faster healing of bones. Surgery is done if there is any requirement for it, such as in the case of open fracture or when you have multiple segments of the broken bone. In these types of fractures the bones are repositioned by surgery. In multiple fractured bones, all the broken segments of the bone are pinned up in a line to set the position of the bone before casting. In these types of conditions, surgery may become beneficial but it is not relevant in all type of fractures.

The blood circulation to the injury area plays an important role in faster healing. Exercise helps in better blood circulation. This blood carries essential components required for the repair and regeneration of bone. If the blood circulation is slow down due to any reason, it would become harmful.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Fracture

There are many types of fractures. They are classified under different categories. Treatment varies depending on the particular category to which the injury belongs to. This is why the diagnosis of the injury is critical to the identification of the treatment. The X-ray and radiographs should only be conducted and analyzed by experts.

Among all the available treatments for fractured bones, surgery is the last option. This is also the case with compression injuries. Surgery is only chosen as the last resort when no other treatment is working because it is very risky. Most of the times, the result may not be what you wished for. In worst cases, your body can become paralyzed.

Finally, the treatment for the fracture also depends on whether it is open or closed. Open fractures are treated surgically to ensure better and fast healing while closed ones can be treated by splinting or casting.

The principle of casting is very simple yet very important. Cast one joint above and one joint below the fractured area and care must be taken so that the tendons and muscles do not tug at the affected site. The healing starts after the casting is done but it usually takes about 2-3 months depending on the type of fracture.

Despite the availability of various treatment options, it would still be better to avoid fracture-related injuries. Many sports men face the problem of stress fracture. As we know it, prevention is better than cure. Players and sportsmen must wear a helmet, knee pad, elbow pad, and other safety gears to avoid any chance of injuries in the future. Also they must not play if they feel continuous pain in any part of their body.

What You Need to Know About Healing Fractures

There are some guidelines which are to be followed by the doctors to perform an X-ray. These guide lines are helpful in the correct assessment of the fracture and its type. Sometimes a single fracture is not single as seen in X-ray it may be associated with some other injuries. 

Bed rest is recommended by the doctor once the diagnosis of fractured bone has been done. Patient is asked to rest on a long flat surface like a piece of wooden board. Some pain medications are also given to the patient. Braces are the option while treating the compression fracture of vertebral column. Vertebroplasty   can also be used n treating the spinal cord injury.

Casting is one of the treatment options for fractures. Casting helps to set the separate bones at an angle and prevents mobility. Immobilization of the fractured bone is essential for the proper bone healing.  Aside from diagnosing the injury using an X-ray, the same diagnosing tool is also needed after 7-10 days to check the calcium deposits at the fractured site.

After few days of callus formation the bone remodeling is done by the bone. Callus becomes the part of bone to form a strong new bone similar to previous one. 

The fibroblasts in the granulation tissue also develop into chondroblasts to form the hyaline cartilage. The process continues until the fractured gap is filled completely. This process is called as callus formation. In the next phase the hyaline cartilage is replaced by spongy bone formed by collagen fibers.

Remodeling, the healing phase after callus formation, happens this way. The spongy trabecular bone is now replaced with compact bone. Thus the callus forms a new shape but closely duplicate to the original shape. The new bone formed is as strong as the old one.