How can callus formation be accelerated?
The callus formation directly can be influenced only with difficulty. However, various measures can be taken to influence especially the phases before callus formation begins. In the first four weeks after the fracture, for example, it is crucial that many vessels sprout in the area of the fracture ends.
It is generally accepted that smoking impedes the new formation of vessels and thus also prolongs it. In the first weeks after a bone fracture, smoking cigarettes or the use of nicotine patches should be avoided if possible. During the phases of fracture healing, growth factors such as BMP-2 and BMP-3 play a particularly important role.These growth factors are now clinically approved in some cases, but under no circumstances should they be taken without consulting a physician as growth is completely uncontrolled. Other factors for the rapid formation of a stable bone in the course of callus formation are vitamin D and calcium. These have essential functions during the formation of new bone.
ESWT
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, abbreviated as ESWT, is today mainly used to treat various “stone ailments”, such as kidney or gallstones. However, extracorporeal shock wave therapy can also be used for treatment of bone fractures. In extracorporeal shock wave therapy, bones and other solid tissue components are specifically shattered with the help of shock waves, which can promote subsequent healing.
As a rule, callus formation between the bone ends occurs automatically after a bone fracture. In rare cases, however, callus formation may fail to occur, which is why callus formation must be specifically activated in order to prevent possible pseudoarthrosis and facilitate bone healing. Shockwave therapy allows for a targeted fragmentation of the bone, which subsequently initiates callus formation.
Callus pain
If pain occurs in the area of the bone fracture, this can be an indication of a bone fracture healing disorder. After the bone fracture, callus formation occurs after a few weeks. In the following weeks, the callus becomes an integral part of the bone.
During callus formation, however, various complications can occur. If the callus remains unstable even after several weeks and does not continue to develop into a solid bone component, the affected person usually suffers a painful and unstable fracture. Audible sounds are also often described by affected persons. Such symptoms are caused by the fact that individual bone fragments are still moving in the fracture site because they have not been hardened by the callus. If such symptoms occur, an X-ray examination should always be performed to rule out a possible bone fracture healing disorder.
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