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Orthopedic surgeons are fond of saying, "It is better to break a bone than it is to tear a tendon or ligament." Why is this true?

-Bones heal quicker because there are multiple tissue types that are involved compared to only one type of tissue making up the tendons and ligaments.

-Bone fractures are less painful than tendon and ligament injuries.

-Tendons and ligaments are smaller and require surgical intervention, requiring a longer recovery time.

-Broken bones heal faster and with less scar tissue because they are more vascularized than tendons or ligaments.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

It is better to break a bone than to tear a tendon or ligament due to the faster healing, less scar tissue, and reduced need for surgical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that it is better to break a bone than to tear a tendon or ligament is true for several reasons:

  • Bones heal quicker: Bones have multiple tissue types involved in their healing process, such as periosteum and osteoblasts, which can help in the formation of new bone matrix and facilitate quicker healing compared to tendons and ligaments.
  • Less scar tissue: Broken bones heal faster with less scar tissue because they are more vascularized than tendons or ligaments. Scar tissue can impede the healing process and affect functionality.
  • Surgical intervention: Tendon and ligament injuries often require surgical intervention, which can prolong the recovery time compared to simple bone fractures.

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