Evaluation of fracture healing Flashcards
1
Q
What stages can radiographically be observed in direct/primary healing?
A
- gradual disapperance of fracture line without formation of callus
- initially loss of radiopacity around fracture
- remodelling can take months
- fracture site can remain radiolucent for a long time
2
Q
What stages can radiographically be observed in secondary bone healing?
A
- initial resorption
- loss of radiopacity and widening of gap
- edges become less defined and sharp (5-7 days)
- periosteal callus forms first (rate varies)
- further callus forms
- remodelling
3
Q
When should radiographs ideally be taken?
A
4-6 w intervals to assess implant stability, alignement , complications, and bone healing
4
Q
What are the 4 A’s of bone healing?
A
Apposition - how well has it been apposed
Activity - evidence of bone healing, callus
Alignement - should be unchanged since surgery
Apparatus - implants ok?
5
Q
When can we allow unrestricted weight bearing?
A
Ideally, there should be evidence of continuity of bone (filling of the radiolucent fracture line) on two view of the bone before allowing unrestricted weight bearing
6
Q
General timeline for secondary bone healing?
A
