Bones are lightweight, yet incredibly strong structures that lay the foundation of our skeletal and muscular systems. They are multi-functional connective tissues that are strong but are not unbreakable. A fracture corresponds to a crack or breach in the anatomy of a regular bone with damage to its surrounding tissues and blood vessels. It is painful but can heals quickly due to the phenomenal healing mechanism and proper management of fracture. So, whenever a person gets a bone broken, his body immediately responds to it by initiating the following stages of fracture healing.

A.  STAGES OF FRACTURE HEALING

Once the bone is broken, its blood vessels get damaged and generate a stimulus which attracts a variety of cells. These cells coordinate together and work simultaneously to generate a combined response.

Ø  HEMATOMA FORMATION 

After the injury, the body signals specialized cells to reach the affected area. They work as a team to cause inflammation that results in red, painful, and swollen skin. While some of these cells form a blood clot also known as hematoma, others get rid of any dead cells and debris. In this way, the healing process initiates, and this stage can last up to 5 days.

Ø  REPARATIVE STAGE

a) Soft callus formation:

At this stage, development of new blood vessels starts which is also known as angiogenesis. Also, callus which is a mixture of fibrous tissue and cartilage grows on either end of the fracture to bridge the gap between the bone. However, as it is soft and weak, body uses it temporarily to hold the bone together.

b) Hard Callus Formation:

Temporary callus is broken down into its components and calcium starts building up to lay foundation for bone development. Alongside development of blood vessels, other bone cells keep on reproducing and eventually a premature bone develops at the end of this stage. 

Ø  REMODELLING STAGE

This stage requires continuous replacement and reproduction of bone cells. Therefore, these cells work for months to provide the appropriate shape and strength to the bone to regenerate the original bone structure. Once the fracture healing is complete, walking and weightbearing activities are encouraged to promote remodeling.

B. MANAGEMENT OF A FRACTURE TO PROMOTE HEALING

A fracture may take 6-12 weeks in healing completely. However, there are several patient related factors that are needed to be managed and controlled to ensure that the natural healing process remains on track.

Ø  DIET

Our bodies are self-sufficient in growth and maintenance at cellular level. However, several steps can be taken to promote healing. So, your doctors may suggest you a diet and dietary supplements that can aid the process. At the same time, there can be dietary restrictions too due to the underlying health conditions. For example, in case of diabetic patients healing can get delayed due to high blood sugar levels. Therefore, their diet is planned accordingly.

Ø  MOBILITY

Mobility of patient might be restricted in accordance with the site of fracture and type of surgical procedure. It is necessary to prevent the unnecessary movements of bone that can hinder the healing process.

Ø  NICOTINE

Smoking cigarettes can negatively affect the fracture healing rate by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels. It also decreases the strength of callus. Hence, smoking cigarettes are usually not allowed until the patient is fully recovered.

Ø  MEDICATION

If you have another health condition, your doctor might ask you to replace some of your medicines if they affect the fracture healing rate.

CONCLUSION                                                                                                                              

Every organ of your body has a coping mechanism in case of mishaps including a fracture. But just like our cells we must also coordinate with our bodies. It can be done by taking a good post operative care so that natural healing can be facilitated. This will ensure that we are back on our feet just like before!