Educational video describing the concepts of fractured bone healing.
Fracture healing is a process in which the body heals and repairs the broken bone.
Requirments for bone healing:
1Vascularity: sufficient blood supply.
The fracture stimulates the release of growth factors that attract stem cells and promotes angiogenesis, vasodilation and healing of the bone.
Blood flow increases at the fracture site.
Metaphyseal heals faster than diaphyseal because of the rich blood supply.
2Adequate mechanical stability of the fracture
aCast
bRod
cExternal fixator
dPlate and screws
Adequate stability promotes revascularization.
Proper stabilization is needed to prevent deformity and nonunion at the fracture site.
Excessive motion will interrupt the development of new bone.
Complications of fracture healing
Possible deformities at the fracture site
1Fracture shortening
•Some shortening may be acceptable
•Excessive shortening may need to be corrected.
2Fracture nonunion
•Bone completely fails to heal after a reasonable period of time.
•Fracture area remains tender and painful, especially when stressed or with movement.
3Valgus deformity
•The distal part of a limb deviates away from the center of the body.
4Varus deformity
•The distal part of a limb deviates towards the center of the body.
Physicians should be aware of these basic concepts of fracture healing. Every attempt should be made to avoid complications.