What Is Better A Fracture Or A Sprain?

Is Breaking A Bone Really Better Than Tearing A Ligament?

It may sound strange, but you’ve probably heard someone say, “you’d rather break a bone than tear a ligament.” While both injuries are serious, there’s a good reason this statement comes up so often. Especially among athletes and orthopedic professionals. The difference comes down to how the body heals bone compared to ligament tissue, and how that healing affects long-term recovery. In many cases, a clean bone fracture can be more straightforward and quicker to heal than a torn ligament. So, what is better to get, a fracture or sprain?

Bone Healing Is Predictable And Efficient

Bones have a robust and well-documented healing process. After a fracture, the body forms a hematoma, followed by soft callus, then hard callus, and finally remodeling. Most uncomplicated bone breaks heal within 6 to 12 weeks, and with proper alignment and immobilization, bones usually return to their full original strength.

This efficiency is largely thanks to the rich blood supply in bone tissue, which delivers nutrients and healing cells where they’re needed. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most bone fractures heal with rest, immobilization, and physiotherapy. Often with no surgery required.

Ligaments Heal More Slowly And Often Less Completely

Ligaments, on the other hand, are bands of connective tissue that link bones together at joints. They have a much poorer blood supply than bones. This significantly limits the speed and completeness of healing. When a ligament is torn, the body has a harder time delivering the cells needed to regenerate that tissue effectively.

Furthermore, ligament injuries can be partial or complete. In the case of complete tears, especially of major stabilizing ligaments like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee, surgery is often required. Even with surgical reconstruction, ligaments may not regain their original structure or strength. This can leave the joint more vulnerable to future injury and instability.

Fracture or Sprain, Longer Recovery Times For Ligament Tears

While a broken bone may heal within 2-3 months, a torn ligament—especially one that needs surgery—can take six months to a year for full recovery. During this time, patients often undergo extensive rehabilitation to regain strength, balance, and joint stability.

According to a 2019 study in the journal Sports Medicine, even after ACL reconstruction, only about 65% of athletes return to their pre-injury level of sport, and many experience decreased function long term. This highlights the sometimes more serious implications of ligament injuries compared to fractures.

Ligament Injuries May Lead to Chronic Problems

One of the major concerns with ligament injuries is the increased risk of long-term joint damage. An unstable joint is more likely to suffer from cartilage changes, which may lead to early onset osteoarthritis. This is particularly common in the knee and ankle.

In contrast, bones that have healed well rarely cause long-term problems. Unless the break involved the joint surface or was severely misaligned during healing. Once remodeled, bone tissue often regains full strength and function.

Conclusion: Fracture Or Sprain, What’s The Better Injury To Get?

While both broken bones and torn ligaments are painful and disruptive, the body is generally better at healing bone than ligament. Bones have a strong blood supply, a clear healing process, and the potential to return to full strength. Ligament injuries, especially complete tears, may require surgery, involve long rehabilitation periods, and can still result in reduced function or joint instability long term.

That’s why many suggest that in some cases, breaking a bone is the lesser of two evils. It may heal faster, more completely, and with fewer long-term complications.