Primary bone healing

Full Definition

Primary bone healing, also known as direct bone healing, occurs when fracture fragments are held in intimate contact with rigid fixation and there is minimal interfragmentary gap (typically less than 0.01mm). This type of healing bypasses the typical callus formation stage and involves direct remodeling through cutting cones that cross the fracture line. Primary healing requires absolute stability, typically achieved through compression plating or other rigid fixation methods, and results in restoration of the original Haversian system architecture.

Usage

Usage note: Requires absolute stability and intimate fragment contact to occur.

In Context

• "The compression plating technique was designed to promote primary bone healing at the fracture site." — Operative report
• "Radiographs at 6 weeks showed evidence of primary bone healing with minimal callus formation." — Follow-up note