Healing of a fractured bone is quite a complex process but I will try to simplify.
To understand the process better we need to have an idea about the anatomy of the bone. Bone is surrounded by a thin membranous layer of tissue called periosteum ( See adjoining Figure – The figure represents a cut section through a bone. Normally the bone is like a cyllinder. Imagine cyllinder cut into halves along its longitudinal axis and you would get a similar picture. ).
When bone breaks, it bleeds from its torn ends due to disruption of its supplying vessels. Quite naturally the periosteum also is torn as shown in the figure. This periosteum may be completely torn or partially damaged depending upon the force of injury. The collected blood is called fracture hematoma.
Due to loss of vascularity or blood supply adjacent portion of broken ends die. Inflammation changes occur in the haematoma over next few hours ( A reaction by the body which occurs whenever there is an insult to a part or structure. The basic purpose of the inflammation is to contain the damage and facilitate the healing and regeneration. Inflammation is responsible for redness, pain, warmth and tenderness of the wounds and abcesses) .
This inflammation brings in many cells that would help in regeneration of the broken bone. Periosteum plays a vital role in fracture healing. The periosteum is the primary source of precursor cells which develop into chondroblasts( cartilage cells) and osteoblasts ( bone cells) that are essential to the healing of bone. as the time progresses, the fibroblasts ( A kind of cells which produce fibrous tissue in the body) get interspersed with small vesels and form a loose mesh like structure uniting the broken ends of the bone and on which the future layers of bone tissue would be added. this structue is called granulation tissue.
Over the next few days, the cells of the periosteum replicate and transform. The periosteal cells proximal to the fracture gap develop into chondroblasts and form hyaline cartilage. The periosteal cells distal to the fracture gap develop into osteoblasts and form woven bone a kind of bone which is structurally different from the lamellar bone oound in the body.
These two new tissues grow in size until they unite with their counterparts from other pieces of the fracture. This process forms the fracture callus. the callus is the first sign of union visible in x-ray and generally appears around two weeks after fracture. Eventually, the fracture gap is bridged by the cartilage and woven bone, restoring some of its original strength. A picture like this is produced.
From here on slowly and steadily bone is restructured by a process called remodeling.
Popularity: 53% [?]
Is it normal to have an imflammation one month after a bone fracture in the forearm?
What should I do?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 13th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
@carol,
What inflammation? Please elaborate.
hey
I broke my 3rd metatarsal in basic training about week ago i have a cast up to my knee. I was wondering how long would it approximately take for it to heal. It started off with stress fractures then a brake. The doctor told me that it was a hole in the 3rd metatarsal not a full brake as in bones separating. I am on leave at home for 30 days and was wondering if i could also take the cast of soon because i feel no pain i can already walk on the cast and everything. i can move the foot in the cast because swelling has gone done so much. i would appreciate the advice.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 13th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
@Jaaziel Ramos,
I cannot give advice in regards to your treatment. A week is not sufficient period for removal of cast.
Please follow your doctor’s advice.
Hey doctor ‘
I had fracture my fibula n 3 pieces playing softball. Its now 18 days today I’m on a cast now for 2 weeks allready I’m going to get another x ray on Friday hopefully it healed allready i don’t feel any pain like i use to bu5 i my ankle when they was putting the cast on it was purple now with the cast my feet gets swollen i don’t know what to do to make my bone heal what do you think doc what should i do i take vitamins also
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 28th, 2011 at 7:43 am
@Stephanie,
You can. I hope by now you are out of the cast. How are things going?
broke my fiblua bone on feb. 28. Was in cast until last Wedesday, Now he told me to put alittle weight on it and move it around, but no special treatment. When I put maybe 10% of my weight on it it hurts at the heel. Please send message.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 28th, 2011 at 7:45 am
@mike,
Do as your doctor has advised and you would be able to put the complete weight gradually.
Dear sir, i have send u my x-ray but u did not reply it why sir?????????
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 7:15 am
Sorry Qasim for the delay. I have replied
Thanks sir for your reply ..sir is there is any alternate solution for my bone healing i m tired of sitting at home i m always in pain i want to do some job but only because of problem i cant do hard work and some times i feel disheart from my life i don’t know what to do sir this incident has taken me years before doctors say that after 1 year we will see what to do may be bone graft sir please reply>>>>i m waiting for your reply..
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 11th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@Qasim Javed,
I think that is right approach. Give your bone sufficient time to heal and wait if it gains its thickness.
Otherwise bone graft.
I understand it is painful to wait this way but I do not think any other intervention is justified at this juncture.
Hi Doctor,
Am having an ACL complete tear in my left knee. Now am able to walk with almost no limp. I would like to get suggestion from you, whether i should go for a ACL surgery. Am not going to participate in any level of sports that’s going to involve cutting or pivoting. Also i feel i can manage day to day activities with almost minimal pain.
Based on ur experience, i want to know whether am going to do any damage to my knee, if am not going to opt for reconstruction? I had a partial tear in my right knee about an yr back and that knee almost feels like back to normal.
Though it’s difficult to predict about the future consequences, i want to know your views based on your professional experience. Appreciate your inputs doctor.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 14th, 2011 at 8:55 am
@Narayanan,
If you do not have a symptom or functional limitation, I do not think you require a surgical intervention.
Physical therapy helps in such cases. Please discuss it with your doctor.
Sir, I am having triple fracture in my lumbar spine. Fracture in L2 and L3 and got dislocation in lower back. Spondyolisis? I am not sure about it. How long will it take to heal, Sir?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 9:11 am
@Sin,
Cannot answer your question until you provide me detailed information.
As of now there is too little information.
Sir, what are details that I should provide you? I am not sure what kind of details are they.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
@Sin,
Detailed symptoms, image reports and things you want to know
dear doc,
14 days ago, there was fracture in my left forearm. the findings are below,
radius ulna L upper M/3,
ulnar nerve paresis
two pieces of both bones
operation was done like CRIF done with close IM nailing AE cast applied.
so what time it take to healing?
but there is pain over baby finger and ring finger like stretch of veins and artery and the skin above this two finger does not feal any touch. the doctor said it is only due to stretch of artery from elbow at the time of accident and it will recovered naturally. but some times it pain hard. i take vitamin B12. so please diagnose it and suggest proper medicine for fast recovery .
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
July 9th, 2011 at 8:26 am
@paresh khunt,
I am sorry I cannot make the diagnoses. Probably you do not need one as you already have it.
Symptoms you describe come from ulnar nerve paresis as you doctor must have explained.
You should already be on medications. Nerve recovery would take usual time in spite of anything and everything.
how long will it take to heal a small crack in the spinal code.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
@kirushan,
Where is the break?
Hello sir,
sir please tell me some best medicine which can heal my bone faster…….
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
July 9th, 2011 at 8:12 am
@qasim javed,
While a good diet rich in calcium and proteins would help you to maintain a natural growth and repair.
There is no medicine to accelerate the healing.
What should I do with a thoracic brace that I not longer need? It is like new.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
July 31st, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@Carlos,
Better ask the person you bought it from. He/she would help you better.
I broke my bone(around my wrist) in 2009 and i went skating recently and fell on it and now it is giving me pain it hurts should i just wear a wrist brace?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
August 5th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@amanda,
Sorry! My reply is to delayed for you. Did you tak eany treatment?
hi dr singh.
my 78 yrs old baby sitters’ shoulder was dislocated and was also told that she has a fracture in the socket. the ortho doc was able to fix the dislocation so her concern is the fracture. right now shes wearing something to hold her arms. my question is:
1.how long is the healing process?
2. can she still carry a 2 yrs old baby (like putting him in the high chair or the toilet bowl) or she needs to avoid doing it because it will damage her shoulder again
3. what is the long term effect of it?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
August 13th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@Caroline,
In immediate period after reduction of dislocation, an absolute rest is warranted. Following that gradual mobilization can be begun.
If there is an accompanying fracture, the rest needs to be prolonged.
Dear Doctor:
I broke my ankle march of this year, got surgery a week later which included 5 screws and a plate. On July 11th the hardware was remove. I spent two weeks in a soft cast and on July 26 received a walking boot. My doc says the holes in my bone should heal in 3-4 weeks. Now i know recovery depends on many factors: rehab, diet, bad/good habits, age, gender etc. My question is do the holes in the bone from the screws usually take that long to heal??
Thank you,
Tiffany
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
August 13th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
@Tiffany Gaston,
I am not sure what is meant by healing of holes. The holes would have screws in it. Are there any other holes.?
An xray would help.
Hello. I broke my 3rd metatarsal on my right foot in Feb. I went to the emergency room and was given a hard soled orthopedic shoe to wear and was told it would heal in 4-6 weeks because it was not a bad fracture. I told the doctor that I live on the 3rd floor and asked if bearing that much weight and climbing stairs would hinder the healing process but the doctor assured me that I would be fine. He advised me to follow up in 6 weeks.
I lost my job shortly after breaking my foot and no longer had health insurance. I have not been back to the doctor and 5 months later it still aches. I still cannot walk correctly and there is a slight pain when I walk for long distances.
Based on what I have written, do you know what could possibly be wrong? Is it just healing slow or will I need surgery? I was very active before but now I have gained weight. I am anxious to resume normal activities.
Thanks for your help!!
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 1st, 2011 at 1:12 am
@Dana,
First of all we need to know if the bone has united or not. A xray would help.
i have broken my tibia and fibiula on 15th june,2011,had gone ORIF operation.now 8 weeks have gone.when can I walk properly without any support?plz help.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
August 31st, 2011 at 8:38 am
@aditi,
Please follow your doctor’s advice.
Helllo, i fractured my femur bone from running 4 years ago, and the pain comes back every once in a while, especially when exercising. is this a normal thing to happen? if not, what could possibly be the reason for it to always hurt?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
August 13th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@brit,
Please see a doctor who can examine and investigate you if required. It could be nothing but we need to rule out the causes of pain.
I fell on July 7th and slammed the inside/top of my right foot against a concrete step. I experienced severe bruising across 3/4 of my foot, both top and soul but pain and swelling only at the sight of injury. Since I could walk without any pain I never got an xray. Long story short I am still experiencing pain at the sight of impact and now have a palpable lump. It is extremely painful to put a shoe on b/c of the pressure on the sight.
I am considering getting an xray to see if it had been broken but I am wondering if it is a waste of money. If I did break it on July 7th, will the fracture even show up on the xray? Is there anything that can be done to help the pain. If I put a shoe on or bump it or any type of contact to the area it feels like someone is stabbing me with an ice pick.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Lisa
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 8th, 2011 at 7:32 am
@Lisa,
I think this reply is delayed and any advice would not serve its purpose unless I know how are you now?
Hello, I fractured my 5th metatarsal (Jones Fracture) July 13, 2011. it’s not been exactly 1 mo and couple days had a cast for 2 weeks after a week I had no more pain. Dr. removed cast after 2 weeks and gave me a boot been on the walking boot for 2 weeks. have none to very minimum pain. is it ok to walk on a boot or should I have it non weight bearing? I see many diff opinons on this. is the 5th metatartsal a weight bearing bone?
thanks for the advise.
Brandon..
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 8th, 2011 at 7:34 am
@Brandon,
What is status of your fracture? If it has united, it is okay to walk with weight on the foot.
Hi,
My mother-in-law fell and broke her arm. She could move her fingers for a few hours
after the break occurred.
Straight after the x-ray she could no longer move her fingers on the hand of the damaged arm and has nerve damage.
Could this have happened during the fall and did not show for a few hours or could it have been moving the arm during the x-ray procedure?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 5th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@anne,
Was the arm not immobilized before xray was done?
I recently spiral fractured my tibia. I have been in a fiberglass above knee cast for over two weeks now. The break starts from the ankle and stops at the mid point of my tibia. Is there a chance of displacement while I am in the cast, the swelling decreased so my cast is a bit loose and I am worried there might be some displacement in the healing process. I did not get any rods or screws attached to my bone.
Thanks!
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 8th, 2011 at 7:37 am
@Ed,
Serial xrays would determine if there is a displacement. Displacement has more chances of occurring if a fracture was initially displaced.
If it was undisplaced to begin with, it has lesser risk for getting displaced but still possibility cannot be ruled out.
Loosened cast is a risk for enhanced movements at the fracture site and should be replaced by a snug cast.
Please consult with your doctor.
Dr. Singh,
Thank you so much for explaining and illustrating how a broken bone heals. I had a M2 stress fracture in my right foot in 2007. The first x-ray didn’t demonstrate the fracture, but I asked to be reassessed 14 days later after discovering on the internet that a stress fracture may not always show up. A callus had formed by the time of my second x-ray where “minimal flattening of the second metatarsal head consistent with mild avascular necrosis” was noted.
I had what felt like another stress fracture in the spring of 2009 but my foot wasn’t x-rayed until the fall despite my ongoing pain and complaints. This was the finding on the fall 2009 x-ray: “Circumferential solid callus formation and mild cortical thickening is seen along the distal shaft of the second metatarsal. This may be in keeping with an old healed stress injury/fracture in this location. No acute fracture is identified”. My family doctor assumed it was the callus from the 2007 stress fracture but that x-ray is at a different hospital and therefore could not be compared. Would a callus normally be visible for 2 years? Based on a physical exam, a podiatrist told me I had managed to break M3 as well along the way, but there is no mention of M3 in the x-ray report, so I’m a bit puzzled.
Now in August 2011, I had my left foot x-rayed just last week because of a suspected M2 or M3 stress fracture, but the initial x-ray was negative. Since my bone density test didn’t show signs of osteopenia/osteoporis and I don’t walk very fast or very much because I’m waiting for an arthrodesis of my 1st MTP joint (left foot), I’m wondering why I’m experiencing so much pain and possibly recurrent stress fractures. I do think my slightly awkward walk because of hallux rigidus is putting extra stress on my other metatarsals. Since my surgery date is more than an year and a half away, is there anything I can do to mitigate that? What questions should I be asking my doctors in Canada? I’m 55 and not ready for the pasture yet.
Thank you for helping people by explaining things so well and by answering questions whenever possible.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 8th, 2011 at 7:53 am
@RitaA,
The question as you have yourself put it is to look for cause of recurrent fractures.
You should be investigated for the diseases that might weaken the bones. That means looking at other bones by skeletal survey, investigating for metabolic causes etc.
Hi doc i had a pilon fracture of the distal right ankle tib/fib broken ORIF medial plating on both fibula is healed my question is when I looked at xray tibia still looked cracked after 2 months of healing my doctor said he used bone graft does bone graft show up on xray film?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 7th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@Lupe,
@Lupe,
Sometimes radiolucent lines are visible for longer time whereas other signs of union are present.
Depending on the duration of surgery, a novice eye may not be able to appreciate that.
Some graft are in powder form, they might not be visible on xray.
yeah, vitamin c deficiency. I just got another random fracture last week in my foot, and that femur is prone to breaking again very easily. I’m only 19 years old, and I’m going through this.
Hi,
I fractured and dislocated my neck. C3 is fractured and C3 and C4 are slightly out of line. I am walking and moving properly which is a relief. My consultant said he will review me next week to decide if he needs to intervene and re-allign the dislocation. What sort of treatment would this involve and how long (roughly) will this take to heal? I am anxious to keep my work informed as best as possible as to how much time I will have to have off.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@lucy1617,
You would be best answered by your treating doctor as he is most informed about your case.
Hi Dr Arun. I am just curious regarding the fracture healing. As you mentioned in the article, periosteum works as a primary source of precursor cells which develop into chondroblasts and osteoblasts.
If let said bone graft is used (maybe is osteosimulative, osteoconductive or osteoinductive), does it actually stimulate the periosteum to develop to condroblasts and osteoblasts or bone graft stimulates osteoblasts to be more produced as in a duplicate cells?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 12:29 am
@Felicia,
There are three types of grafts osteogenic, osteounductive and osteoconductive.
Osteogenic grafts carry osteogenic potential. It means they can start osteogenesis on their own. that means they can the formation of bone from their own precursor cells.
In addition they stimulate the local periosteal precusors to carry out osteoblast formation.
Osteoinductive graft has ability to induce but cannot form the bone by its precursors.
Osteoconductive grafts neither carry osteogenesis nor they do osteoinduction. they just provide scaffold over which host cells can affect bone formation.
Hey doctor…i broke metatarsal in 2008 nd was givin a boot nd some meds nd was told not to walk on it nd me being careless I did well it was giving me pains every now and then but it went away for awhile but noe came back nd hurts to walk on everyday and wanted to see if u had some advice because I dont want to go to thw doctor and pay money when its nothing big…and I been takin meds nd nothing helps even took a week off..if u can please get back with me asap…thank u
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 12:34 am
@Murad shalabi,
What would you like to know?
Sorry I ment 2 middle metatarsals in my left foot
Dear Dr Arun Pal Singh,
Update from your response:
I did get another xray done and the doctor said that my ligaments are damage. The third metatarsal is healed however he performed a squeeze test and said I may need surgery. He also said that because my injury is 7 months out surgery may not be an option. He scheduled a MRI and said he will look to see if the ligaments are seperated if he can put a screw in. If not then he said I will have to live with the pain. My follow up question is that if surgery is not an option would I be able to do physical therapy or will my ligaments start to feel better over time? I miss running! Of course I will ask these questions to my doctor. Just looking for another opinion so your help is greatly appreciated.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 6:52 am
@Dana Smith,
Usually, if a fracture has united, the discomfort from soft tissue would go over time.
I do not think surgery is an option if fracture has healed and seven months have passed.
Hi i had a tib/fib break and I had two different cast for two months after having rods installed. The doctor gave me a boot which i have worn about for about three weeks. I feel comfortable walking like nothing ever happened. Can I leave the boot? I can feel the callus and it has hardened.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 7:00 am
@Sophia,
Please ask your treating doctor about this.
@Dr Arun Pal Singh: Last X-rays taken 8/24/11 showed bone calyst already forming around the fracture but is not
seal completly yet. I bought a metatarsal sleeve pad that is very comfortable and keeps my foot compressed.
I’m still in the boot, altough I have no pain at all. and I have stopped taking pain meds couple weeks ago too.
Dr. said this type of injuries because of the location (jones fracture) take an average of 12 weeks to heal due to lack of blood flow. I’m also considering having surgery (titanium screw) put in to just heal the fracture but I’m kinda concerned about long term side effects. thinking of just letting heal on its’ own since I’m close to the 12 weeks anyhow.
what is your input?
thanks…
Brandon…
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@Brandon,
Pain relief is a good indicator which needs to be confirmed on xray for fracture healing.
If your fracture has united there should be no need for surgery.
Hi,
I’m 25 years old and I broke my 2nd metatarsal two weeks ago. I was wondering what the average recovery time was for this injury? I’m a triathlete and when I say recovery, I mean on average how long until I can start training again? Do people usually recommend swimming and biking but waiting another 2 or more weeks to run or what? I know you don’t know my case exactly, but averages would be good to calm my mind.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Kyle Weis,
Fracture would take between 6-8 weeks to heal. Add another 2-4 weeks of physiotherapy before you get back to routine life.
As for as your athletic activities are concerned, they might take more time depending upon your demand.
hi, my friend has a c5 fracture, he has been in a halo vest for 15 weeks but the doctor said the bones have not fused/healed and they think there is tissue growth inbetween the bones and this may require an operation if his
xrays show that the bones are not “in position” on either side of the tissue.
would you beable to give me some information on this, and what are the risks of further spinal cord injury with an operation? why did the bone not heal if the 2 broken bits were lined up when the halo vest was fitted? any feedback would be appreciate. thankyou.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@sarah,
There are so many known reasons known for causing nonunion but it is very difficult to pin point in a particular person.
If nonunion is there, the neck would remain unstable and therefore cause persistent symptoms.
Therefore, it needs to be fixed.
Please understand that this is general view on the subject and by no means it is any prescription or recommendation in your friend’s case.
I fractured my fibula a week ago. The doctor put me in a temporary cast and said he will put a real cast on in two weeks. I have been in the temporary cast for the last week and the pain continues to get worse. What can I do or take for the pain?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Jason,
If your slab [temporary cast] is loose, it would result in motion at fracture site and thus cause pain.
Please see your doctor if the pain persists.
hi doctor , i met with an accident the both tibia and fibula was broken , this was happened on Aug 12 , doctor has operated with nail , firstly i want to know there is lots of pain in knees and secondly fibula is not operated doctor said its waste bone , after 6 weeks i e 24Sep i took an x ray the tibia bone there is a gap so in how many days able to walk with out support doctor said to leave 50 % weight for next 6 weeks .
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 14th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
I have answered your query at BoneAndSpine Forums
Hello Dr. Singh,
I has a fracture of my left humerous in 2008 and was operated on (using plates and screws). However, the fracture site did not unite. I then went for a bone graft surgery 5 months ago and the callous is till not forming as expected. What can be done to hasten the callous growth as the doctor is suggesting another surgery.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 14th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@Dollars,
Can I see your xray please. You can post your query at Bone And Spine Forums and attach xray as well.
You can use your Facebook id to login if you do not wish to register.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 14th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
You can post your query at Bone And Spine Forums and attach xray as well.
I am a 50 yr-old woman with Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome who had a spiral fracture of her humerus spanning from just below the shoulder to just above the elbow 11 months ago. It was treated immediately with a hanging cast, and then with a compression brace (no pin, no surgery); the brace was removed more than 6 months ago now.
I have done basic movement & strengthening therapies now, under the orthopedic PA’s orders. I am concerned that the “final” X-rays taken today still show a severe displacement (which has shown all along, since week 2) and only callus growth — after 11 months. The PA (I have never seen an actual orthopedist — I went to Dartmouth Medical Ctr [part of Dartmouth Medical School], and the PA was assigned to me in their ortho dept) says it “looks good” to him and that I was dismissed from care.
The pain is still intense enough to prevent me from regular use of the arm, any weight-bearing over 5 lbs, and requires painkillers 3x/day. The PA says that pain, and the movement I feel inside the arm (where the displacement moves, whenever I lift or move my arm), is “normal” and should be with me the rest of my life.
I don’t think this is normal, is it? Should my humerus still be without real bone growth (more than callus) after 11 months? Should it be moving inside and still be so painful — for the rest of my life? Is displacement “normal”?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 7:28 am
@NC,
Can I see the xrays including old and latest one.
The best way is log at http://boneandspine.net after registration and post your query. You would be able to upload the images as well.
I fractured my fifth metatarsal dancing Sept. 1, 2011 (comminuted fracture on the base). I have been in a boot air cast since than & right from the start my orthopedic told me I can walk on it as tolerated. I have been walking on it since & after about 3 weeks I have no more pain. I’m wondering if he is correct allowing me to walk on it because 5 have been reading comments from other people saying that their doctors told them they can’t walk on it till there is a union. Also since my foot doesn’t hurt anymore does that mean that it’s healing
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 7:34 am
@Michelle,
Not hurting can mean healing but needs to be confirmed on xray. Fracture configuration determines whether one can walk or not.
If your doctor did recommend it, I think he must have done it after evaluation of your case.
Any xrays taken?
I broke my collarbone in the middle third about 4 weeks ago. I have had a sling on for 4 weeks, no surgery. My shoulder and arm are starting to feel stronger. How long does it take for the clavicle to start healing? If my arm feels good would it be ok to take the sling off? After how many weeks can I start exercising my arm?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 7:35 am
@JP Escobedo,
4- 6 weeks are enough. An xray would confirm.
Hi I fractured my small finger at the joint 5 months ago
A cast was placed on my finger for 8 weeks and exercises given, however my finger is still painful and very swollen at the joint, The Dr said he would not reset the joint as it is too small?? However this is painful and I cant grip with this finger still. A physio told me they should off reset it, but probably didnt as it would cost. If I was private I am certain they would have
Can you advise if this is normal after 5 months to still have such a lump on my joint? and if not what would you suggest
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 7:40 am
@Monty,
I cannot tell you anything unless I am sure what happened to you.
Can you provide your xray images [old and latest] and a photograph of your hand.
Please post your query at Bone And Spine Forum
You would be able to upload images as well. A registration {free} is required before you could post.
Hay Doc. Back in Feb 26-2011 I feel of my house and broke the hurmuse bone , im 47yr,. and it did not heal
and frist the Dr. said that he want to a bone graft and now he wants to do something and i need some help
not understanding the New rhBMP-2 and he want’s to try this I want to know about the long threme side effces are I have read so much on this still not understing is this the best I see Its mostly used on the Jaw bone repairs sometime work and sometimes not, Is this the trement you would use, BONE MORPHGENIC
PROTEIN can you help me still not useing the left arm. need it back PS i did see another Dr. about the bone graft not the other. also a Bone growth stimulator.
Thank’s for the help
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@Kathy L Stallings,
That makes it 9 months old fracture now and if it has not healed, it needs bone graft. Please use bone graft from your own body rather than the readymade products.
Bone stimulator is probably of not much use at this stage.
If you have xrays, I can comment better. If you have images please ask your query at boneandspine.net and you would be able to upload images as well.
i broke my fifth metatarsal on 8/20/11, Dr. did a open reduction on 9/15..wire was used cause the bone was splintered…..now 3 weeks post op the bone is slow in healing…..I am non weight bearing since 8/21/11 till 12/1/11 and I have been elevating my foot all the time…My questions is, is elevating it stopping the blood flow thus slowing to the bone healing….I forgot to ask the Dr. if I should still be elevating…..I am concerned that elevating is hindering the blood flow. Do you have any insight on this?
Thank you…Angie
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@Angine,
No! elevation should not affect the blood flow enough to slow the healing if you are otherwise normal.
Some people have slow bone healing and that is pretty normal variation. Good thing is that it is healing.
Dear sir, I broke my forearm twenty years ago. Now its beggining to hurt a lot during the the cold months. Why is this?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@Chris Gutierrez,
What was the treatment done. How bad is the pain?
Hi Dr
My son has a small buckle fracture in his left distall radius. He fractured it 4 weeks ago. The Dr placed him in a short arm cast. The cast was just removed yesterday and Dr told him to wear a splint for 3-4 weeks. He took another xray and he said it look pretty good. From what I read these fractures typically heal pretty quick (my son just turned 12). My son said his arm feel pretty good. When pushing against an object he did have some pain in the fracture site. Is this normal? Does this mean that it is not completely healed? WHat is the potential for him to reinjur? From everything I read online it seems like there are differences of opinion as to how long to treat these injuries. Is it possible that it is pretty much healed yet there can still ba a little pain at the site? My son wants to try out for a basketball team this weekend. They know he fractured his are and will need to wear the splint. I am just trying to get a guage on the risk that he could injur more
Thank you!
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Kim,
This reply is delayed for your needs and I am sorry about that.
So did he participate? How is he now?
Hello,
Hi Doctor. Just to follow up..I received my MRI results and I do not have ligament or nerve damage. The doctor said my 3rd metatarsal had not healed completely. He gave me an orthopedic hard sole shoe and told me to wear it for 3 weeks and then to wear tennis shoes for 3 weeks and I should be fine. It has been a month and I still have pain and discomfort. I originally broke my foot on Feb 21st! Are there any supplements I can take? Or should I use a bone stimulator? Why isnt it healing??
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Dana,
They would not help at this juncture. Can I see your latest xarys.
Dear Doctor,
I had a complete fracture of my fore arm bones in Feb 2010 and I underwent an surgery to fix the bones with screws and plates. In Feb 2011 the plates were removed as the fracture was healed completely, after 6weeks from the day the plates were removed I lifted a bi-cycle and had a small hairline fracture again in my ULNA near to the previous fracture location and it took 3 months for healing and the cast was removed in July 2011. My doctor told me that I had a slow rate of bone formation and this was the reason why it took such a long time healing a small hairline crack and he said I will have the screw holes forever in my bones. Is this true? and can you please suggest me, how long do I need to be carefull with the hand and will I have my bones back to the original strength over a period of time? I am planning to go for swimming now, is it advisable?
Thanks in advance.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
November 9th, 2011 at 5:57 am
@Sandeep,
When plates are removed, it leaves holes in the bone which are called stress rises and could initiate process of fracture following small injury.
After plate is removed, the limb is generally protected in slab or cast for at least 6 weeks.
And I always advise to take extra caution to my patients for another 3-6 months.
The holes will fill in a year or two. Just be cautious with the limb.
All the best.
I fell backwards on June 18th 2011 and landed on my right elbow. I have a midshaft transverse humeral fracture. It’s been 18 weeks now and I’ve been seeing the OS at the Fracture Clinic. He isn’t keen on doing any surgery and has told me this could take another 12 months to heal. I’m requesting surgery. He has admitted that I have a non-union, but he still feels surgery is too risky for my Radial nerve. I have no use of my right hand or arm, and my arm still wiggles at the fracture site. I am 59 yrs old and do not have osteoporosis. I am taking medication for low Thyroid. Am I pushing too hard for surgery? How do I share my xrays with you?
Sandy
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
November 9th, 2011 at 6:08 am
@Sandy,
18 weeks is enough time to guess if it would unite or not. And my contention is that if has not shown any sign of union by this time, it probably would not, on its own.
The next step is surgery for fixation and bone grafting.
The risk for radial nerve always exists but is avoidable in most of the cases. Discuss it with your doctor and if you feel the need, take another opinion as well.
P.S. If you post at Bone And Spine Forums, you would be able to upload images as well and I can have a better idea about your ailment. This would also mean the advantage of creating a personal thread where you can always come back for recent doubts and updates.
i had a plate and screws in my fore arm. the pain is really intense that i can’t even make a fist. Some days it doesn’t hurt but other days its bad.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
November 19th, 2011 at 9:02 am
@Chris Gutierrez,
Please get an xray and consult the specialist near you to see the status of plate and screws.