Healing Process of a Bone Fracture

The adult skeletal system is made up of 206 bone. Each serving a vital role within the body such as storing minerals, producing red/white blood cells, providing support, allowing movement and protecting the internal organs of the body. The bones that make up our skeletal system are course and can withstand the rigorous pressure and strain we impose on them through everyday life. Although our bones are made to withstand these types of strains sometimes too much pressure is placed upon our bones due to a fall, striking of an object, bending or twisting of the bone or simply old age. (Oak, 2012) Any of these circumstances can result in what we call a bone fracture. When a fracture occurs they are classified as either a compound (open) fracture or a simple (closed) fracture. A compound fracture would result if “the bone exits and is visible through the skin, or a deep wound that exposes the bone through the skin” (Pierce-Smith, 2008) whereas a simple fracture would result if “the bone is broken, but the skin is intact” (Pierce-Smith, 2008). Within these two different classifications there are multiple types of fractures such as greenstick, hairline, complicated, comminuted, avulsion or compression. Although certain types of bone fractures are more severe than others they all create disturbance with the strength and structure of the bone “which leads to pain, loss of function and sometimes bleeding and injury around the site” (Better Health Channel, 2011) When a fracture occurs, no matter the type or classification, the human body has four mechanisms used in the healing process. The first stage in the healing process is the inflammatory stage which occurs the moment of the fracture and lasts anywhere from three to five days. When a fracture emerges the blood vessels within that specific area are disturbed which results in bleeding. A few moments after the fracture transpires the individual will start to the pain, bruising and swelling in the area of the fracture