Cedar Rapids, IA
A 33-year-old female asked:
I had a ulnar shortening done 2 years ago but now they said bone hasnt heal. what could be why it hasnt healed?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Milton Alvis, jranswered
Preventive Medicine 43 years experience
Healing Within Body: Surgery involves invading the body to force rapid physical changes, always inducing collateral damage, often greater than the "fix". The surgeon has no control over your control of your body & subsequent responses, though may help or hurt (easier) depending on what was done. If your internal response is that something is wrong & healing is not practical or dangerous, then healing will not occur.
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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
1 comment
Dr. Milton Alvis, jr commented
Preventive Medicine 43 years experience
Provided original answer
One not uncommon basis for lack of bone fusion is arteriolar spasm (limiting blood flow) to supply the fibroblasts and subsequent osteoblasts needed to perform the complex healing function. Arteriolar response is controlled from our brain (subconscious) combined with local tissue feedback.
Another not uncommon basis for lack of bone fusion is presence of a foreign body or infectious agent(s) which attracts a white blood cell inflammatory process. The inflammatory response greatly slow(s) & may totally block healing, especially if the response does not resolve the perceived local problem.
Jun 28, 2013
Last updated Dec 9, 2013
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