Fracture Healing

Fracture healing is a process in which the body heals and repairs the broken bone. Requirements for bone healing A requirement for bone healing is vascularity (sufficient blood supply). The nutrient artery supplies 80% of the cortex. The periosteal vessels supply the outer 20% of the cortex. The metaphyseal vessels provide a very rich blood supply to the ends of the bone (Figure 1). Fractures stimulate the release of growth factors that attract stem cells and promote angiogenesis, vasodilation and healing of the bone. Blood flow increases at the fracture site. Metaphyseal bone heals faster than diaphyseal bone because of the rich blood supply. A second requirement for bone healing is to have adequate mechanical stability of the fracture. This can be achieved with a variety of techniques including casting, rod placement, external fixator application, and plates and screws (Figure 2). Adequate stability promotes revascularization. Proper stabilization is needed to prevent deformity and non-union at the fracture site. Excessive motion will interrupt the development of new bone and may cause nonunion of the fracture. Mechanism of Bone Healing Primary bone healing is also called the cutting cone mechanism. There is no motion at the fracture site. This is seen in rigid fixation of fracture, such as in plate fixation, and there is minimal callus formation (Figure 3). Plates are usually used for humerus and forearm bone fractures and fractures involving the joint. Wha...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news