Chapter 5, Problem 1CT

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

A child falls from a bicycle and breaks an arm. The broken bone is set correctly, which heals in time. An enlarged bony bump remains at the site of fracture once the cast is removed. The bony bump disappears after a few months. The reason for the enlargement of the fractured area during the healing process.

Introduction:

The bone is covered by a thin membrane of tissue known as periosteum. This tissue is only absent in a bone joint. The periosteum protects bone from other tissues. Periosteum helps to connect circulatory and nervous systems to the bones. The periosteum plays a vital role in the growth and repair of bones.

During a fracture, periosteum may tear completely or partially depending on the type of injury. This causes bleeding and gives rise to hematoma. After a fracture, inflammation occurs mainly to induce healing process.