Ausheilung

Ausheilung is a German medical term referring to the complete healing of a disease, injury, or tissue damage, such that normal structure and function are restored and no active pathology remains. It denotes a full resolution of the condition, beyond merely symptom relief or partial healing.

In clinical use, Ausheilung can apply to fractures, wounds, infections, and certain chronic diseases when the disease process ends with restoration of health. For a bone fracture, Ausheilung implies full union with remodeled bone and regained strength; for soft tissue injuries, it means restoration of tissue architecture and function without persistent scarring that limits performance. In infections and inflammatory diseases, it denotes eradication of the infectious agent or inflammatory activity and absence of ongoing symptoms.

The outcome results from the body’s healing process, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Timeframes vary by tissue type and individual factors, and the likelihood of Ausheilung depends on age, nutrition, comorbidities, infection risk, and mechanical stability. Clinical and imaging assessment—such as absence of symptoms, normal laboratory markers, and radiographic or histological evidence of restoration—supports the designation of Ausheilung.

In English-language contexts, the term is usually translated as complete healing, full recovery, or cure, depending on context. It is distinct from remission, which can describe partial or temporary improvement in chronic diseases, with potential relapse.