Multiple Fractures from Metabolic Bone Disease

A second defining difference is the absence of pain and discomfort in metabolic fractures. Traumatic fractures, in contrast, are almost always extremely painful. This is easily explained. It is well known that bone has no pain fibers, while surrounding connective tissues are abundantly supplied with pain fibers. In metabolic fractures, which can take place with ordinary infant handling, surrounding connective tissue is not involved. In traumatic fractures, surrounding connective tissues are torn resulting in significant pain, as anyone who has experienced a sprained ankle or traumatic rib fractures can testify.