Derek L. Hill, D.O.

Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon and Specialist

How Broken Bones Heal

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crutches in the parkBones can be broken or fractured by traumatic events like sports injuries and motor vehicle accidents or by pathological conditions like osteoporosis and cancer. Regardless of the specific cause, symptoms of bone fractures include pain, swelling and a deformity which may be associated with bleeding if the bone fragments penetrate the skin.

Broken bones generally take from 4 to 8 weeks to heal and this duration depends on factors like the age of the patient, their nutritional status and the type of fracture sustained.

The healing of broken bones is a complex process which begins when bleeding into the injured area from the bone fragments results in the formation of blood clots. These clots, which develop on the ends of the broken bones, form a mesh on which the new bone will be formed.

Stem cells are then brought to the injury site and they develop into fibroblasts, which produce the fibrous tissue and cartilage that forms the soft callus, which joins the two ends of the bone. With time, this soft callus is replaced by bone tissue as minerals like calcium and phosphate are added and it becomes a hard callus.

The final step in the bone healing process is the remodeling phase in which the bone becomes more compact and assumes its original shape.

Immobilization is vital for broken bones to heal since movement slows the process. Patients are therefore treated by setting the fractured bones in a plaster cast or by surgical immobilization with plates and pins.

After the bones have adequately healed, the cast or plates are removed and physical therapy is introduced. This usually involves an exercise program to rehabilitate the limb and help it regain strength and balance. Gentle weight bearing exercises are included in this program to help with the bone remodeling process, which may continue for several months.

Written by: Marian Kim, Rust Built, Marketing Services

SPEEDING YOUR RECOVERY FROM A FRACTURED BONE

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The human body is a remarkable healer of itself. After a break, also called a fracture, your bones will produce new cells and tiny blood vessels at the broken part to close up the gap until it’s good as new.
Yoga or Stretch Spinal twistChances are, your doctor reduced the bone, putting it into a splint or a cast, to keep it immobile until it’s strong again. First rule of order: Be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan carefully to mend and heal properly.
You must limit the use of your damaged limb. Relax and accept that you cannot do the things you used to normally do. If you do, try to do things too soon, you will possibly lengthen the time it takes to get back to normal. But, right now, let’s talk about how you might help to speed your recovery time.  Because bone is about 70% mineral content, it is high in phosphorus, magnesium, silicon, zinc, and of course, calcium, along with some other minerals. Bone is also very high in protein content. A high-protein diet will provide some of the building blocks needed to synthesize a new bone matrix.

Plant-based proteins are recommended, such as nuts, oats, and quinoa, instead of animal and dairy proteins which contain more fat. Amino acids found in protein, such as lysine, arginine, glycine, cysteine and glutamine are responsible for the absorption of calcium and the regeneration of bone tissue.   Anti-oxidants, like vitamins E, C and K, may aid in fracture healing by suppressing inflammation. By adding more dark leafy vegetables and any type of berry your bones will really benefit.
Other foods to eat when your bones are healing are: Oats, shredded wheat, collard greens, broccoli, sardines, salmon and other fish, fat free chicken or turkey breast, fresh fruits, grapes, orange and grape juice, nuts, tomatoes, apples, and water. Be sure to drink lots of water, which will carry the nutrients of your improved diet to the bones. You’ll go to the bathroom more, and that’s not easy for you in your current condition. But it will keep you from being too inactive, which will make you sore and stiff, by just “going”.
Movement is essential. Only after approval by your doctor, small movements will keep blood flowing, carrying important nutrients to the break site. Wiggling your toes or fingers, stretching gently, and rotating shoulders and elbow joints will keep circulation going in your unusable arm or leg.
Do lots of sleeping, as your body needs rest to heal. Your body has endured a serious shock and it may require a long road of recovery to be complete.
Consider avoiding these foods while you’re healing, which hinder the absorption of calcium and minerals: carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, high-fat foods, sugar and salt.
Oh, one last thing: if you smoke, stop. Research has shown that smokers’ bones heal much slower and take more time to heal than non-smokers. Try quitting the habit with an established support system and a smoking cessation program with proven results.  So if you eat better, sleep more, drink lots of water, do easy exercises, and live nicotine-free, you will be back to your normal routine as soon as possible.

Ruby Moseley, Rust Built, Marketing Services