A fibrous membrane called the periosteum covers bone. For healing and health, living bone must have a steady supply of nutrients. Blood vessels permeate bone to provide this lifeline. Blood-forming elements fill the long bone inner canals. Even before treatment, the body automatically seeks to repair the injury.
Inflammatory cells rush to destroy, dilute or isolate invaders and injured tissue.
Tiny new blood vessels called capillaries begin growing into the site. The injured person usually must endure pain, swelling, and increased heat at the breakage site for one to three days. Within a few months, a hard callus replaces the soft one. Remodeling restores the inner canal. Once restoration is complete, which may take years, the healed area is brand new, without a scar.