Can You Break a Bone Twice?

Fractures are common and anyone can experience them. This is one orthopedic condition with no gender or age bias. Anyone can get a fracture whether he/she is a child, a young adult, or an elderly. There could be multiple reasons for that, the most common being traumatic injuries. Depending on the type and severity of the cause, a fracture could be stable or displaced. Severe fractures often require the use of trauma implants like foot & Ankle Locking Plate, locking plates, bone screws, and more for the stabilization of broken bone fragments while allowing them to heal properly.

Now, there is a question of whether the same bone can break twice. This is what we are going to discuss here in detail.

There is a myth that once a bone breaks, it becomes stronger and denser when it heals. Hence, the chances of fractures to the same bone are negligible. But we must say that this is purely a misconception. There is no scientific evidence that states a bone cannot break twice. Thus, a fracture can occur twice in the same bone, and the reasons could be different as well. 

What is the Bone Healing Process?

There are 3 separate phases of the bone healing process: 

The Reactive Phase

This is the phase in which the area around the fracture site swells. The healing starts in this phase where a callus is formed by the bone for rebuilding. This phase lasts for around 48 hours. 

The Reparative Phase

Lasts for around 3-4 weeks after the surgery, the reparative phase is when the bone and cartilage form and the gap between broken bone segments is reduced. 

The Remodelling Phase

The last and final stage of the bone healing process is the remodeling phase in which the temporary bone is replaced by the permanent bone. This phase lasts the longest and it may range from as low as 3 weeks to as high as 5 years. This depends upon the location, type, and severity of the injury. The age of the patient also plays a vital role in deciding how much time to complete bone healing will take. 

Re-fracture of a bone can take place at any stage and that could be more severe than the previous injury. To avoid such a situation, it is advised to be careful and follow the doctor’s instructions. 

Some Key Tips to Strengthen Bones and Minimize the Risk of Fractures

Weaker bones are highly prone to fractures and more importantly, they take a much longer time to heal. So, weak bones are not a choice, if you have weak bones, fractures, or other orthopedic problems can knock on your doors. Thus, it is always advised to make efforts to keep your bones strong and healthy.

Here are some basic efforts that could help you with strong bones:

●        Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and be active

●        Take a complete and nutritious diet 

●        Regular exercise is the key

●        Weightlifting and resistance training

●        Consume enough calcium and vitamin D

So, do not believe in the myth that a bone cannot break twice and focus on maintaining strong & healthy bones.

If you want a CE-certified range of orthopedic implants and instruments, contact Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., an experienced orthopedic device manufacturer. Serving hundreds of global clients in 50+ countries, the company is also looking to stretch its market reach by finding distributors in Lithuania and be counted among the trustworthy Orthopaedic Device Companies in Lithuania.