Understanding fracture healing

Fractures, or broken bones, are a common injury that require proper care for effective healing.

At Lifecare Frankston, our team of physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you understand and recover from fractures effectively.

What is a fracture?

A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone.

This can occur due to high-impact trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or from repetitive stress, often seen in athletes.

Fractures can vary in severity from minor hairline fractures to complete breaks that may require surgical intervention.

Who is commonly involved?

Fractures can happen to anyone, but certain groups are more susceptible:

• Children and adolescents: Active lifestyles and developing bones make children and adolescents more susceptible to fractures. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, and accidents during play. Growth plate fractures are a particular concern as they can affect bone development.
• Athletes: High-impact sports and repetitive stress can lead to fractures. Athletes are susceptible to stress fractures from repetitive impact and acute fractures from sudden trauma. Sports like football, basketball, gymnastics, and running have higher fracture risks.
• Elderly: Bone density decreases with age, making bones more fragile and susceptible to breaking. Osteoporosis, common in older adults, further weakens bones. Falls are a major cause of fractures in the elderly, often leading to serious injuries like hip fractures.

How is a fracture diagnosed?

Diagnosing a fracture typically involves:

1. Physical examination: A physiotherapist (or other healthcare professional) will check for pain, swelling, and deformity.
2. Imaging tests: X-rays are the most common method to visualise the break. In some cases, CT scans or MRIs may be used for more detailed images.

Stages of fracture healing

Fracture healing is a complex process that occurs in several stages:

1. Inflammatory phase (0-2 weeks): Immediately after the fracture, blood clots form around the break, and inflammation sets in to protect the area. This phase typically lasts for the first two weeks.
2. Reparative phase (2-6 weeks): In this phase, a soft callus forms around the fracture within a few weeks. This soft callus is gradually replaced by a hard callus as new bone begins to form. This phase usually spans from the second week to the sixth week.
3. Remodelling phase (6 weeks to Several Months): Over several months, the new bone is remodelled and strengthened, restoring the bone to its original shape and strength. This phase can last from six weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s healing process.

Some fractures may heal quicker or slower than these timeframes, and children and adolescents often have faster healing times compared to adults.

Treatment options

Physiotherapy is crucial for effective fracture recovery, focusing on:

• Immobilisation and rest: Using casts, splints, or braces to keep the bone in place and ensuring adequate rest to promote healing.
• Pain management and swelling reduction: Techniques like ice therapy and gentle massage help manage pain and reduce swelling.
• Preventing complications: Education on avoiding re-injury and regular progress monitoring ensure effective healing.
• Restoring mobility and range of motion: Stretching exercises prevent stiffness and improve flexibility.
• Strengthening muscles: Personalised exercise programs and resistance training build muscle strength around the fracture site.
• Improving function and coordination: Functional training and balance exercises help patients regain independence and prevent falls.

Surgery and Sports Medicine: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign and stabilise the bone using metal rods, plates, or screws. For athletes, targeted treatments and advice from sports medicine specialists can help prevent future injuries and enhance performance.

Why choose Lifecare Frankston?

Whether you’re dealing with a recent fracture or looking to prevent future injuries, our physiotherapy team at Lifecare Frankston is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get back to your best self.

Jasper Quick is a physiotherapist at Lifecare Frankston, with a passion for helping patients recover from injuries and improve their overall well-being. He is dedicated to helping you achieve your sporting and lifestyle goals, whether you’re recovering from a fracture or looking to enhance your physical performance.