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Bone fractures can be painful, take months to heal, and require ongoing physical therapy. Some severe fractures—like nonunion fractures— never fully heal properly and cause a lifetime of problems for the patient. Non-union fractures are common after severe auto accidents.

Bone Healing Goes Tech

Patients can suffer from their fractures even after surgeries and long periods of rehabilitation. And non-union fractures can cause problems with mobility, function, and quality of life. New technologies, however, offer more effective ways to heal severe bone fractures, giving patients a better chance of making a full recovery.

Instead of just providing support for bones to reconnect and grow back together, like a cast does, certain new technologies using gene and stem-cell therapy help generate bone growth. This speeds the healing process and results in a more seamless union.

A Better Way to Heal

Fractures can’t heal fully when the body doesn’t produce enough bone material on its own. Stem-cell therapies utilize stem cells. Stem cells can differentiate into many different types of cells to boost osteocyte (i.e., bone-forming cell) production. But stem cells can be difficult to harvest.

New methods of extraction are allowing doctors to collect more stem cells and bone material from the patient in a less invasive way. This new method makes use of fluid naturally produced during orthopedic procedures. The fluid contains stem cells from marrow and bone materials. When filtered and concentrated, this material helps heal severe fractures sooner.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) can also trigger bone growth. Researchers have developed a new way of injecting BMP genes into bone-producing cells using a micro-delivery system and an ultrasound wand. This method is more effective than the older method of injecting BMP genes directly into the affected area.

The Prognosis

Gene therapy and stem-cell therapy are reinventing the way we treat severe fractures. But experiencing a severe fracture is still painful and takes time to heal. Being injured in an accident can be a traumatic ordeal. At a time when you should be focused on healing, you could find yourself battling with insurance companies to get your medical bills paid.

Whenever you suffer serious injuries in an accident, you should be working closely with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected. Serious injuries—like nonunion fractures—can cause lifelong pain and complications. And your insurance settlement should reflect your future losses. An experienced Arlington Heights personal injury attorney can handle the tedious legwork of your claim while you focus on healing, ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.