Fracture Healing

Question 1

Type of bone fracture

Answer 1

Transverse (across)
Linear (straight down the middle)
Oblique (non-displaced/displaced - snapped in two)
Spiral (twisted)
Greenstick (young bones)
Comminuted (shattered)

Question 2

Healing of fractures

Answer 2

1. Haematoma formation - clot produced in 6-8 hours, inflammation begins, new capillaries grow into damaged area
2. Fibrocartilaginous formation - fibroblasts invade the procallus and lay down collagen, chondroblasts produces fibrocartilage
3. Bony callus formation - osteoblasts secrete spongy bone that joins the broken ends of bone, last 3-4 months
4. Remodelling - compact bone replaces spongy bone, surface is modelled back to normal shape

Question 3

Rate of healing fractures

Answer 3

UL:
Spiral - 6/52
Transverse 12/52

LL:
Spiral - 12/52
Transverse - 24/52

Question 4

Factors that affect the rate of healing

Answer 4

Type of #
Site of #
Vascular supply
Age of pt
Movement at site of #

Question 5

Clinical features of a fracture

Answer 5

• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling and bruising
• Deformity and angulation

Question 6

Rx for fractures

Answer 6

• AROM/PROM
• Strengthen - load
• Joint mobs/accessories
• MWM (if appropriate)