health

Normal bone heals itself following a fracture. Blood flows into the area of
a break and forms a clot. The clot is gradually replaced by a matrix of collagen
fibers. Cells called fibroblasts begin to lay down lines of new bone
cells on both sides of the fracture line. As these lines of cells grow toward
each other, the break in the bone is gradually repaired. Treatment of a
broken bone is therefore focused on holding the broken bone in the
proper position while the break is healing.
The bone may be held in place by either external or internal fixation
methods. External fixation methods include casts, splints, or cast-braces.
These are usually made from fiberglass or plaster. Internal fixation
methods include pins, screws, or wires inserted by a surgeon to hold
larger bones in place. Surgery may also be required to smooth the edges
of broken bones or to remove bone fragments in order to prevent infection.
Open (compound) fractures require the administration of antibiotics
and careful antiseptic cleansing of the wound to prevent infection.
Most fractures require about four weeks to heal. While some use of
the injured body part speeds healing, too much activity too soon can
cause further damage. Since the pain of a fracture usually stops long
before the bone is strong enough to return to normal levels of activity,
the patient should limit the use of the injured part according to the doctor’s
advice. Follow-up x rays are usually ordered to make sure that the
bone is in proper alignment and that the fracture is healing normally.
Many people require some form of physical therapy or rehabilitation
after the cast or other fixation materials are removed because the muscles
have grown weak from lack of exercise and the ligaments near the healing
bone may feel tight or stiff.