Question

List in order the four major healing stages of a simple fracture.

a) Hematoma formation
b) Fibrocartilaginous callus formation
c) Bony callus formation
d) Remodeling

Answer 1

The four major healing stages of a simple fracture are hematoma formation, fibrocartilaginous callus formation, bony callus formation, and remodeling. These stages are part of the body's natural process to repair a broken bone and restore its strength and integrity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The healing stages of a simple fracture follow a series of progressive steps that include:

1. Hematoma formation: Blood vessels in the broken bone tear, leading to a clot or hematoma at the fracture site.
2. Fibrocartilaginous callus formation: Capillaries grow into the hematoma while fibroblasts and osteoblasts begin to reform bone, creating a fibrocartilaginous callus.
3. Bony callus formation: The fibrocartilaginous callus is converted into a bony callus of spongy bone, joining the broken bone ends together firmly.
4. Remodeling: The bony callus is remodeled, with excess material removed, and compact bone added to resemble the bone's original structure.

Bone remodeling is a critical phase where the bone adapts to stresses and achieves strength comparable to the unbroken bone. This process can take several months to complete.