Body / Life

Why do bones heal?

The short answer

A blood clot forms around the break, and cells build temporary tissue and new bone that gradually remodels.

How it works

Bones contain blood vessels that deliver cells and materials for repair. A soft bridge forms first and is later replaced and reshaped into stronger bone.

A familiar example

A healed bone is not instantly back to its final form; it continues to remodel for some time.

Sources