Fractures and Bone Healing Skeletal System: Day 4 Fractures and Bone Healing

Bone Fracture Types of Fractures Simple Compound Comminuted Compression Spiral Greenstick

Fractures Simple Fracture: Compound Fracture: bone breaks cleanly, but does not penetrate the skin Compound Fracture: Broken ends of bone protrude through the skin

Bone Fractures Comminuted Fracture Complete and fragments the bone Usually at least broken into 3 pieces Common in the elderly

Bone Fractures Greenstick Fracture Incomplete fracture, break occurs on the convex surface of the bend in the bone

Bone Fractures Spiral Fracture Caused by excessive twisting of the bone

Treatment of Fracture Treated by reduction (realignment of the broken bone ends) Closed Reduction: bone ends are coaxed back into normal position by the physician’s hands Open Reduction: surgery is performed and the bone ends are secured together with pins and wires After the broken bone is reduced, it is immobilized by a cast to allow the healing process to begin

Healing of Bone Fractures Healing Time 6-8 weeks Longer time for large bones and for the elderly because of poor blood circulation

Four Major Events: Healing of Bone Fracture A hematoma (blood filled swelling) is formed The break is splinted by a cartilage callus. The bony callus is formed. The bony cartilage is remodeled in response to the mechanical stresses placed on it, so it forms a strong permanent patch at the fracture site.