P a t i e n t E d u c a t i o n
Bone Healing
How Does a Bone Heal? How Long Does Bone Healing Take?
All broken bones go through the same healing process. This is Bone healing is a complex process. Speed and success differ
true whether a bone has been cut as part of a surgical procedure among individuals. The time required for bone healing can be
or fractured through an injury. affected by many factors, including the type of fracture and the
patient’s age, underlying medical conditions, and nutritional
The bone healing process has three overlapping stages:
status.
inflammation, bone production, and bone remodeling.
Bone generally takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal to a significant degree.
In general, children’s bones heal faster than those of adults. The
foot and ankle surgeon will determine when the patient is ready
to bear weight on the area. This will depend on the location
Inflammation and severity of the fracture, the type of surgical procedure
• Inflammation starts immediately after the bone is fractured
performed, and other considerations.
and lasts for several days. When the bone is fractured there
is bleeding into the area, leading to inflammation and What Helps Promote Bone Healing?
clotting of blood at the fracture site. This provides the initial If a bone will be cut during a planned surgical procedure,
structural stability and framework for producing new bone. some steps can be taken pre-and postoperatively to help
optimize healing. The surgeon may offer advice on diet and
nutritional supplements that are essential to bone growth.
Smoking cessation, and adequate control of blood sugar levels
in diabetics, are important. Smoking and high glucose levels
interfere with bone healing.
Bone production
• Bone production begins when the clotted blood formed by For all patients with fractured bones, immobilization is a
inflammation is replaced with fibrous tissue and cartilage critical part of treatment, because any movement of bone
(known as “soft callus”). As healing progresses, the soft fragments slows down the initial healing process. Depending
callus is replaced with hard bone (known as “hard callus”), on the type of fracture or surgical procedure, the surgeon may
which is visible on x-rays several weeks after the fracture. use some form of fixation (such as screws, plates, or wires) on
the fractured bone and/or a cast to keep the bone from moving.
During the immobilization period, weightbearing is restricted
as instructed by the surgeon.
Once the bone is adequately healed, physical therapy often
Bone production plays a key role in rehabilitation. An exercise program designed
• Bone remodeling, the final phase of bone healing, goes for the patient can help in regaining strength and balance and
on for several months. In remodeling, bone continues to assist in returning to normal activities.
form and becomes compact, returning to its original shape.
In addition, blood circulation in the area improves. Once
adequate bone healing has occurred, weightbearing (such as
standing or walking) encourages bone remodeling.
P a t i e n t E d u c a t i o n
Bone Healing continued
What Can Hinder Bone Healing? How Can Slow Healing be Treated?
A wide variety of factors can slow down the healing process. If the bone is not healing as well as expected or fails to heal, the
These include: foot and ankle surgeon can choose from a variety of treatment
options to enhance the growth of bone, such as continued
• Movement of the bone fragments; weightbearing too soon
immobilization for a longer period, bone stimulation, or
• Smoking, which constricts the blood vessels and decreases surgery with bone grafting or use of bone growth proteins.
circulation
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes, hormone-related
problems, or vascular disease
• Some medications, such as corticosteroids and other
immunosuppressants
• Fractures that are severe, complicated, or become infected
• Advanced age
• Poor nutrition or impaired metabolism
This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle
Surgeons, a professional society of over 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors of Podiatric
Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs.
The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education, research and the
promotion of the highest professional standards.
Copyright © 2010, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • [Link]
