All broken bones undergo the same process of healing. This holds true regardless of whether a bone has been cut during surgery or broken due to an accident. Sometimes, a cast is not enough of a solution for your injury. Let’s take a look at the repair process for bones, whether you need a cast or a bone graft for the injury.
BONE HEALING
Usually, bone fractures recover in two to ten weeks, according to Better Bones. After you’re injured, bone production starts when fibrous tissue and cartilage replace the clotted blood produced by inflammation (known as a soft callus). Several weeks after the fracture, the soft callus is replaced by hard bone (also known as the hard callus) as the healing process advances. This instance is when a cast would be used.
BONE GRAFTING
For more severe instances, bone remodeling or bone grafting is necessary. Remodeling is a lengthy phase of bone healing that lasts, for the most part, a year. Bone grafts are inserted into the broken or diseased bone, and the translated bone grows together with the original bone until you’re healed. Bone continues to develop and gets more compact during remodeling, taking on its original form. Additionally, the region’s blood circulation gets better. Weightbearing (such as standing or walking) will slowly return with this type of bone repair but will be strong in the long run.
Because any movement of the broken bone pieces hinders the initial bone repair and healing process, immobilization is an essential component of treatment for all patients with fractures or bone grafts. The surgeon may employ some type of fixation (such as screws, plates, or wires) on the broken bone and/or a cast to prevent the bone from sliding, depending on the fracture type or surgical treatment. Weight-bearing is limited during the period of immobilization as directed by the physician. This all depends on the severity of the break and the solution you go with.
Want to learn more about bone grafts and bone repair solutions that we use? Call us today at SurGenTec to hear about our solutions. We’d be happy to speak with you about broken and diseased bone solutions. Our products are the next step in the orthopedic industry.