A bone fracture can repair on its own if the conditions are right for the broken bones to heal completely. Read on to learn more about the healing process of bones…
The structure of bones in our body is similar to the branches of a tree – strong and flexible. Our bones are too strong to endure a lot of stress. They are so strong that sometimes, we don’t even realise we have broken a bone when we have. Just like a branch of a tree, when we put too much stress on one of our bones it gets fractured. So, let’s understand the healing process of bones, including the symptoms of bone fractures.
What is a Bone Fracture?
A bone fracture is a break in your bone, either partial or complete. It is not necessary that the break is too large, it can be less than the thickness of a hair or less than a quarter of an inch long.
There are many different types of bone fractures. They are usually categorised into two different fractures, which include:
- Open Fracture: It is a type of injury where the broken bone punctures your skin, exposing it to the external environment.
- Closed Fracture: Your skin is not punctured by the fractured bones.
Then, bone fractures can be divided into other types:
- Incomplete Fracture: In this scenario, your bone is broken, partially.
- Complete Fracture: In this case, you have a complete broken bone.
Now, the fractures are divided as per their physical characteristics:
- Comminuted Fracture: This is a type of fracture in which a bone breaks into three or more pieces.
- Linear Fracture: This is a type of fracture where the break in the bone is straight but it does not move the bone alignment. Usually, it doesn’t need surgery.
- Transverse Fracture: This type of fracture occurs when your bone completely breaks into a horizontal line.
- Spiral Fracture: It is a type of fracture that occurs when your bone is broken due to twisting or rotational force.
- Oblique Fracture: In this type of fracture, your bone is completely broken but at an angle.
- Avulsion Fracture: This occurs when a small portion of your bone breaks, and the rest is still undamaged.
- Impacted Fracture: It is considered an incomplete bone fracture that happens when the broken ends of your bone are driven into each other.
If you have a bone fracture or need to consult the best orthopedic doctor in Bangalore, then visit Apollo Speciality Hospital Jayanagar or book a digital consultation.
The Symptoms of Bone Fractures
The symptoms of bone fractures depend on the types and features of your fracture. Some of the symptoms are:
- Numbness and tingling
- Severe pain
- Bump and bruising
- Problems while moving the body part
- Dizziness or nausea
The Healing Process of Bone Fractures
Once the bone fractures, a blood clot builds around the break. Then, bone cells start to build on the sides of the fracture line, heading towards the centre of the break, until the break repairs. Once the break has healed completely, the blood clot or callus will be replaced with new cells. The whole healing process of bone fractures can take weeks to months to recover completely.
The Right Condition for Bone Fractures to Heal Completely
Bone fractures are classified as per their physical characteristics. A bone can break into three or more parts and scatter with some parts piercing the skin. In the case of complex bone fractures, surgery is required.
However, for some types of fractures, like transverse and oblique, where the bone pieces can be put together, the bones can heal on their own without any surgical involvement. For transverse and oblique fractures, the broken bones must be kept in the right position to heal properly and avoid body movement. In order to align the broken bones, a cast is used that is generally worn for some weeks.
Besides, the body also requires proper nutrients for better bone fracture healing. You must include calcium-rich foods, such as milk, kale, cheese, spinach and sardines, in your diet. Nutritional deficiencies can impact the healing process of your bone fracture.
Final Words
In the case of a bone fracture, a doctor will first place it back to its normal position. A variety of treatments are used to achieve this, which may or may not involve surgery. The level of a person’s injury will generally decide how quickly the fracture heals and gets strong again. If you are looking for the best orthopaedic doctor in Bangalore, then visit Apollo Speciality Hospital Jayanagar or book a digital consultation.