A general overview of how bone heals after a fracture and what factors influence recovery time.
A general overview of how fractures heal and what typically influences recovery time.
Every fracture is different. This is general education. Your surgeon will give you a specific timeline for your fracture pattern, treatment, and individual healing.
Unlike many tissues, bone doesn't heal by forming a scar. It heals by growing new bone across the fracture site. This new bone, called callus, gradually hardens and bridges the break. Over months, the bone remodels itself, becoming stronger and gradually returning toward its normal shape.
Every fracture heals at its own pace. Factors that can affect healing speed include:
Your surgeon will give you a general timeline for your specific fracture, but healing can move faster or slower than average for any individual.
Every fracture heals differently. If you have questions about your treatment plan, reach out to Dr. Kee's office.