Question

What are the phases of fracture healing? How long does each stage take for a long bone vs a distal/small bone? How will this knowledge come into action when working with orthopedic patients?

Answer 1

The loss of continuity in a bone is termed to be fracture.The phases of fracture healing are

Stage 1:

After a fracture ,hematoma develops ,this leads to an inflammatory process. It happens for about 48 hours .Cytokines are released .Fibroblast and osteoblast formation are initiated In certain case it happens till five days.

Stage 2

Here fibrocartilaginous callus forms .It takes about 5 to 11 days.

Stage 3

From day 11 to 28 days the bony callus forms.The bone is almost formed here but is not strong enough

Stage 4

Remodelling usually starts around day 18.This can continue for months to years depending upon the site of fracture .The short bone takes about four to six weeks and long bone about 3-6months or longer

This knowledge can help the healthcare professionals to have the basic knowledge on which phase the patient fracture is and how it had to be cared for. This enables to plan for nursing care.