HEALTH INSIGHTS

How Bones Heal

May 11, 2018

How Bones Heal

Bone is living tissue made up of cells. When a bone breaks, cells in the blood rush to the fractured area. These cells help grow new bone. Bones heal through a gradual process called remodeling. The length of this process depends on general health, age, the type of fracture and how well the injury is cared for.

Broken bone showing blood clot forming at break.

Broken bone showing fibers forming in blood clot at break.

Broken bone showing callus forming at break.

Broken bone showing healed fracture.

Updated:  

May 11, 2018

Sources:  

Normal Skeletal Development and Regulation of Bone Formation and Resorption, UpToDate

Reviewed By:  

Joseph, Thomas N., MD,Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN, RN