STAGES OF BONE HEALING

Stage 1 Bone Healing:

within 24-72 hours after the injury- a hematoma forms at the site of fracture b/c bone is extremely vascular

STAGE 3 Bone Healing:

within 3 to 6 weeks *Callus is the beginning of a nonbony union • as a result of vascular and cellular proliferation • fracture surrounded by new loose, fibrous, vascular tissue= Callus

FACTORS AFFECTING HEALING (5):

• severity of trauma • type of bone injured • how fracture is managed • infections at the fracture site • ischemic or avascular necrosis (AVN)

STAGE 5 Bone Healing:

may start as early as 4-6 weeks AFTER fracture & can continue for up to 1 year, depending on severity of injury & age of patient. • consolidation & remodeling of bone continue to meet mechanical demands

YOUNG, HEALTHY ADULTS BONE HEALING TAKES ABOUT:

4-6 weeks

STAGE 2 Bone Healing:

3 days to 2 weeks • granulation tissue begins to invade hematoma • prompts formation of fibrocartilage • providing foundation for bone healing

HOW MANY STAGES DO FRACTURES HEAL IN?

5- they are a continuous process and NOT single stages.

HEMATOMA FORMATION

Stage 1

HEMATOMA TO GRANULATION TISSUE

Stage 2

CALLUS FORMATION

Stage 3

BONE REMODELING

Stage 5

STAGE 4 Bone Healing:

healing continues, takes 3-8 weeks • callus is gradually resorbed & transformed into bone

OLDER PERSON BONE HEALING TAKES ABOUT:

is lengthened b/c of reduced bone mass

COMPLETE HEALING TAKES ABOUT:

often takes 3-6 months or longer in people who are older than 70 years

OSTEOBLASTIC PROLIFERATION

Stage 4

BONE HEALING COMPLETED

Healing Complete