Skip to main content

Reasons Why Broken Bones Don't Heal - Explained

Broken bones are a common injury that can occur due to various reasons such as accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries. While most broken bones heal within a few weeks to months, there are instances where the bones fail to heal properly, resulting in chronic pain, deformity, or other complications. In this article, we will explore the reasons why broken bones don't heal and what can be done to address this issue.

Reasons why broken bones don't heal:

  1. Poor Blood Supply: Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen that are necessary for bone healing. If a bone is not getting enough blood supply due to damage to the blood vessels or other reasons, it can impede the healing process.
  2. Infection: Infection is a significant risk factor for non-healing fractures. When bacteria invade the site of a broken bone, it can delay the healing process, increase the risk of complications, and even lead to bone death.
  3. Movement of Bones: Proper alignment and stability of bones are essential for bone healing. If there is excessive movement of the broken bone, it can interfere with the formation of new bone tissue and impede healing.
  4. Poor Nutrition: Nutrition plays a crucial role in bone healing. A diet lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, and protein can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
  5. Age: Age is another factor that can affect bone healing. As we age, our bones become weaker and more prone to fractures. Additionally, older adults may have other health conditions that can interfere with bone healing.
  6. Smoking: Smoking can impede the healing process by reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the bone. It can also increase the risk of infection, delay the formation of new bone tissue, and increase the risk of complications.
  7. Certain Medications: Some medications such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs can interfere with bone healing by slowing down the formation of new bone tissue.

How to address non-healing fractures?

If you suspect that you have a non-healing fracture, it is essential to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend a variety of treatments, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the problem. Some of the common treatments include:

  • Immobilization: Immobilizing the affected bone using a cast, brace, or splint can help promote proper healing by reducing movement and instability.
  • Surgery: Surgery may be necessary if the bone is severely displaced, or if there are other complications such as infection or bone death.
  • Bone Stimulators: Bone stimulators are devices that use electrical or ultrasound waves to promote bone healing. They can be used as a non-invasive alternative to surgery in some cases.
  • Nutritional Supplements: Nutritional supplements such as vitamin D, calcium, and protein can help support bone healing and reduce the risk of complications.

FAQs:

Q. How long does it take for a broken bone to heal? 
A. The healing time for broken bones varies depending on several factors such as the severity of the injury, age, and overall health. Most bones take between 6-8 weeks to heal fully.

Q. Can a broken bone heal without a cast? 
A. In some cases, a broken bone can heal without a cast, but this is rare. In most cases, a cast, brace, or splint is necessary to promote proper healing.


Conclusion:

Broken bones can be a painful and frustrating experience, but they usually heal within a few weeks to months.
Topics:

Comments

Post a Comment

Please do not enter any spam link in the comment box.

Popular Posts

Fibula Fracture Treatment | Fibula Bone Fracture Surgery

A fibula fracture can either be an incomplete of complete break in the two outside bones of the leg which are found between the ankles and the knees. Fibula injuries are common but cases of severe bone displacements are very rare. Most of the fractures on this body part are only characterized as ankle sprains. Fibula injuries can happen in any part of the fibula bone. However, since this bone receives only 17% of the body weight when a person is standing up, the injuries it develop is not as severe compared to other bones that bears a lot of weight. Fibula Fracture Types •    Type A- fibular fracture situated underneath the joints of the ankle •    Type B- fibular fracture that occurs on the same level of the joint but with the  tibiofibular ligaments undamaged •    Type C- fibular fracture that occurs above the level of the joint. This type causes tears and breaks on the neighboring syndesmotic ligaments. Diagnosis Diagnosis for fibula fractures re...
1 comment
Read more

Ulnar Styloid Fracture Treatment | Symptoms | Healing Time

There are many bones and other structures that can be found on the wrist region. At the same time, there are other structures that support the wrist for its proper function.  The wrist is the piece of our body that is exceptionally versatile. It enables us to support actions that involve complex movements and it can also stand heavy force that we expect through its help. Because of this, it is not surprising that one can suffer from displaced or undisplaced fracture wrist. Wrist fracture is one of the most common types of bone fracture.  In fact, it is believed to comprise around one-fourth of total incidents of fracture of the limbs. The usual parts of the wrist that suffer from fracture injury are the distal radius and ulnar styloid (more commonly known as the ulna). On the other hand, the carpal parts of the wrist do not suffer much from fracture. There are only rare cases of fracture on the carpal areas. Identifying the right fracture diagnosis and treatment would ensur...
1 comment
Read more

Radial Fracture Treatment | Radial Bone Fracture Surgery

The two long bones of the forearm is the radius and the ulna and they are both very important for proper motion of the wrist and the elbow. The radius is larger than the ulna and it is positioned on the front side of the arm that is on the side of the thumb. However, although the radius is a strong and large bone, it is also prone to fractures. Radial fractures usually occur when someone falls hard with an outstretched arm. The tendency of the person to cover his or her body to break the fall can cause the radius to break because the forearm will be absorbing all the tension and weight of the person during a fall. Types of Radial fractures Some of the most recognized radial fractures are: • Proximal radial fracture . This is a fracture that is near the radial head or radial neck. It can occur due to direct or indirect injury to the forearm or elbow joint. Because the elbow is a hinge joint that joined the ulna and the radius, when there is a sudden impact to the elbow, the strong e...
Post a Comment
Read more