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

2. Bone Fracture Types of Fractures Simple Compound Comminuted
Compression
Spiral
Greenstick

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

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

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

6. Bone Fractures Spiral Fracture
Caused by excessive twisting of the bone

7. 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

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

9. 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.