When does new bone grow after a fracture?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on April 12, 2025
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A fracture refers to the destruction of the integrity and continuity of bone, presenting symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, restricted movement, and deformity. Appropriate treatment should be chosen based on the extent of displacement and whether there is associated damage to significant blood vessels or nerves. Bone healing is a prolonged process. About two weeks post-injury, there will be an increase in osteoclast activity at the site, clearing away the necrotic ends of the fractured bone, thereby stimulating the formation of new bone. Approximately four to six weeks later, there will be a significant proliferation of osteoblasts, leading to the formation of new bone callus. Thus, new bone growth begins around four to six weeks after the fracture.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 25sec home-news-image

Nasal bone fracture, nasal septum fracture, what kind of injury is this?

What type of injury is a nasal bone fracture and a nasal septum fracture? According to the forensic appraisal regulations concerning the nasal area, there are three situations that can be identified as minor injuries and two situations that can be identified as slight injuries. The three situations for minor injuries are: first, comminuted fracture of the nasal bone; second, linear fracture of the nasal bone where the displacement is very obvious; third, nasal trauma that significantly changes the appearance and function of the nose, which can be identified as a minor injury. The two situations for slight injuries are: first, a simple, nondisplaced nasal bone fracture; second, nasal bleeding after trauma. Therefore, if a nasal bone fracture is combined with a nasal septum fracture, it should be a comminuted fracture and can be identified as a minor injury. If it is solely a nasal septum fracture, it depends on whether it is a comminuted fracture or whether the displacement is obvious. Additionally, the impact of the nasal septum fracture on nasal function must also be considered. Thus, nasal bone fractures and nasal septum fractures require specific analysis based on the details of the injury to determine the type of harm. A slight injury can definitely be determined, but whether it qualifies as a minor injury depends on the specific circumstances.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
1min 22sec home-news-image

How to exercise with a patellar fracture?

After a patella fracture, it is necessary to fix and immobilize the patella for some time. During the immobilization, knee joint stiffness may occur, affecting the flexion and extension movements of the knee. Therefore, while treating a patella fracture, it is also important to guide the patient in functional exercises. For example, during the early stages of immobilization, the patient can actively contract the quadriceps femoris and the triceps surae to prevent thrombosis. This muscle exercise can also help avoid muscle atrophy. Additionally, patients can be instructed to dorsally extend the ankle joint to strengthen the ankle pump training and avoid ankle stiffness. Once the fracture is stabilized, the patient can sit beside the bed and let the knee bend naturally. When close to the bed, the knee can bend up to ninety degrees. If natural bending is difficult, the healthy limb can be used to push the injured limb closer to the bed, allowing the knee to bend to ninety degrees. After reaching ninety degrees, it might be appropriate to use crutches for walking activities. If bending beyond ninety degrees is necessary, the patient should lie flat on the bed, hug the thigh of the injured limb with both hands, flex the hip joint, and then allow the knee joint to bend through gravity beyond ninety degrees, approaching the normal range.

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Written by Zhang Ying Peng
Orthopedics
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How to exercise for fracture recovery

After the fracture heals, rehabilitation exercises can reduce pain and shorten the healing time of the fracture. The main rehabilitation training methods include physiotherapy such as hot compresses, massage of the fracture site, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and exercises like muscle training of the fracture site, isometric contraction, isotonic contraction, etc. Once the fracture reaches relative stability, further activities like getting out of bed and non-weight bearing exercises at the fracture site can also help accelerate the healing time.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
48sec home-news-image

How long before a rib fracture stops hurting?

Regarding the question of how long it takes for rib fractures to stop hurting, usually, for patients with rib fractures, the pain gradually subsides after about two weeks. This is because around two weeks is the period when the fracture site reaches the fibrous connection stage, making it relatively stable, which therefore alleviates the pain. For patients with rib fractures in the early stages, if the diagnosis is clear, severe pain can be relieved by orally taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or by receiving pain relief injections. Additionally, it is crucial to closely monitor the vital signs of patients with rib fractures, as rib fractures often occur alongside lung contusions and the accumulation of fluid or air in the chest cavity. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What is good to eat for fractures?

If a fracture occurs, it is recommended to start with a light diet, consuming easily digestible foods such as leafy greens and porridge to facilitate the recovery of gastrointestinal function. Once the condition stabilizes, you can add foods rich in protein and calcium, such as beef, eggs, bean products, and milk, which are all good sources of protein and calcium. It is advisable not to consume foods that are too high in fat as they can lead to weight gain and also interfere with the absorption of calcium.