A 42-year-old woman presents to the orthopaedic clinic 6 weeks after sustaining a closed fracture of the mid-shaft femur in a motor vehicle accident. Plain radiographs show a spiral fracture of the femur with the fracture line running obliquely around the bone in a helical pattern. The fracture surfaces show sharp, pointed edges without any comminution. There is no associated soft tissue wound. The patient is concerned about the healing potential and long-term outcomes. Based on the fracture pattern, which of the following statements is most accurate regarding this fracture type?