In bone healing, which stage follows the inflammation phase?

In bone healing, which stage follows the inflammation phase?

• A. Hard callus
• B. Soft callus
• C. Bone remodeling
• D. Inflammation

Answer: (B)

After the inflammatory response to a fracture, the next phase is the formation of a soft (fibrocartilaginous) callus that bridges the fracture ends. This tissue, rich in collagen and cartilage, stabilizes the fracture but is not yet mineralized, so it isn’t as strong as bone. Over the next several weeks it is gradually replaced by a hard bony callus as ossification occurs, increasing stability. Eventually remodeling occurs to restore the bone’s original shape and structure. So, the stage that follows inflammation is the soft callus formation.

After the inflammatory response to a fracture, the next phase is the formation of a soft (fibrocartilaginous) callus that bridges the fracture ends. This tissue, rich in collagen and cartilage, stabilizes the fracture but is not yet mineralized, so it isn’t as strong as bone. Over the next several weeks it is gradually replaced by a hard bony callus as ossification occurs, increasing stability. Eventually remodeling occurs to restore the bone’s original shape and structure. So, the stage that follows inflammation is the soft callus formation.