What is the Origin of Fracture Healing?

The concept of fracture healing is inherent to the study of orthopedics and bone biology, rooted in the body's innate regenerative capacity. The term itself is descriptive of the biological repair process that follows a traumatic event. The understanding of the phases and hormonal influence has evolved from ancient observations to modern molecular endocrinology and orthopedic science.

What is the Mechanism of Fracture Healing?

The process is initiated by hematoma formation and inflammation, which recruits necessary progenitor cells. Subsequently, a soft cartilage callus forms, which is then gradually replaced by woven bone in the hard callus phase, a process heavily reliant on osteoblast and osteoclast activity. Hormones like growth hormone and IGF-1 promote cellular proliferation and matrix synthesis, while sex steroids help consolidate the bone structure during the remodeling phase, ensuring the restoration of the bone's original biomechanical properties.

Fracture Healing

Meaning

The complex physiological process by which the body repairs a fractured or broken bone, involving a highly coordinated sequence of cellular and biochemical events to restore skeletal integrity and mechanical strength. This process is divided into distinct phases: inflammation, soft callus formation, hard callus formation, and final bone remodeling. Hormonal factors, particularly parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, growth hormone, and sex steroids, play a critical modulatory role in the speed and quality of this repair. Optimal healing is essential for maintaining musculoskeletal function and overall mobility.