Bone Healing

Question 1

What is the difference between a displaced/nondisplaced and open/close fracture?

Answer 1

Displaced: bones have shifted out of normal alignment
Non-displaced: bones remain in proper alignment

Open fracture: breaches the skin

Question 2

What are the three phases of fracture healing?

Answer 2

Phase 1: inflammatory (pain, swelling, heat)
Phase 2: reparative (formation of soft callus that is then replaces by hard callus) 6-12 weeks
Phase 3: remodeling (persists until bone returns to normal strength)- months to years

Question 3

What are the five stages of fracture healing?

Answer 3

Stage I: injury 
Stage II: inflammation
Stage III: soft callus formation
Stage IV: hard callus formation
Stage V: remodeling

Question 4

What WB limitations are placed in the soft callus stage of fracture healing?

Answer 4

NWB to PWB as not to disturb healing

Question 5

What are three complications of fractures? (Unions)

Answer 5

Malunion: healing occurs within expected time frame but with poor alignment

Delayed Union: healing occurs but beyond expected time frame (immunosuppressed pts.)

Nonunion: failure to heal