Complete fractures occur when a bone is broken in at least two sections. Immobilization and medical attention are necessary to avoid complications. The body begins to heal immediately by forming a blood clot and attracting white blood cells. Returning the bone to its natural position and using a splint or cast can facilitate healing. In severe cases, screws or plates may be necessary. Healing time varies depending on severity, location, age, and general health.
Complete fractures are breaks that travel the full width of a bone. With a complete fracture, the bone is broken such that at least two sections of bone are complete. This form of complete bone fracture can be complicated by swelling that pulls the two bone segments away from each other, making it important to immobilize the injured area and seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
As with any type of bone fracture, the body will begin the healing process almost immediately. Essentially, the body begins to form a blood clot between the two segments of the fracture, which in turn attracts white blood cells to help rid the area of inflammation and infection. Slowly, collagen begins to fill the area occupied by the blood clot, allowing the body to create crystals that begin to bond the two sections together with the new bone.
To facilitate healing, it is important to return the broken bone to its natural position as soon as possible. This will support the natural healing process and allow the bone to repair itself properly. In many cases, using a splint or cast will help hold the broken bone in place while the body repairs the break.
In severe cases, a doctor may determine that using screws or plates would help hold sections of broken bone in place during the healing process. This is usually the case when there is a complete fracture combined with other bone fractures in the same general area. The use of screws and plates enhances the healing process and makes it much more likely that the complete fracture and other fractures will heal in a natural position.
Healing time will vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture. If additional fractures and tissue damage are also factors, the duration of healing may be extended. The patient’s age and general health will also play a role in the time it takes to complete healing. For example, a young child who has sustained a complete fracture when falling from a tree is likely to recover relatively quickly, sometimes in as little as three months. However, an adult in his 40s who has suffered a complete fracture and several other injuries as a result of an auto accident can take up to eighteen months to heal.
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