Bones are Self-Repairing

Have you ever broken a bone? Most people have broken at least one bone in their life. Those people usually have to refrain from using the broken bone till it can heal, which can range from six to twelve weeks to be fully healed. Recipients of broken bone’s usually find this an inconvenient and aggravating experience, but it is a fantastic example of the way our bodies can regrow and heal themselves. 

Bones are Self-Repairing

When a bone is broken, either through a fall or an accident, the body responds immediately to protect the injured area. The body triggers an inflammatory response to clean and repair the broken bone ends. Blood vessels around the break constrict, followed by blood clotting that forms a protective layer around the fracture or break site.  Specialized cells called osteoblasts start forming a collagen framework that acts as a framework for new bone to grow. Meanwhile, chondrocytes produce cartilage to bridge the fracture gap. 

The collagen framework created by osteoblasts is further strengthened by a fibrous connective tissue called the callus. This temporary cast holds the broken bone ends in place, providing stability for healing. Over time, the callus is gradually transformed into pro-callus, which is eventually converted into real bone tissue. Orthopedic Surgeons have shown that children's bones have a higher density of cells involved in bone formation compared to adult bones. This allows for a faster healing process and improved bone regeneration. 

Bones Can Repair Themselves in 4-6 Weeks!

Doctors put the area with the broken bone in a cast to immobilize the area to allow the bone to repair itself without further injury which would slow down the process. On average it takes 6-8 weeks to repair, although length of healing depends on the exact bone broken, extent of the breakage, and if the bone is kept immobilized throughout healing, diet of the patient, and other factors. 

The fact that bones can heal themselves is why they make such great protection for our vital internal organs. If you wear a bike helmet and it breaks, you have to get another one because it is no longer going to protect your brain. Your bones, however, will repair their natural helmet of the skull to continue to provide that needed protection for your body.