Which sequence lists the four stages of bone healing?

Which sequence lists the four stages of bone healing?

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

Answer: (C)

The sequence reflects how bone repair unfolds step by step after a fracture. Early on, the injury triggers inflammation to control bleeding, clean up debris, and recruit cells needed for healing. Next, a soft callus forms as fibrocartilage and fibrous tissue bridge the gap, giving some stability but not yet containing strong bone. Following that, the soft callus is replaced by a hard callus as osteoblasts lay down mineralized bone, creating a solid bony bridge across the fracture. Finally, remodeling occurs, with bone being reshaped and replaced by mature lamellar bone over time to restore normal strength and contour. This progression from inflammation to soft callus, to hard callus, and then remodeling best fits how fracture healing actually occurs.

The sequence reflects how bone repair unfolds step by step after a fracture. Early on, the injury triggers inflammation to control bleeding, clean up debris, and recruit cells needed for healing. Next, a soft callus forms as fibrocartilage and fibrous tissue bridge the gap, giving some stability but not yet containing strong bone. Following that, the soft callus is replaced by a hard callus as osteoblasts lay down mineralized bone, creating a solid bony bridge across the fracture. Finally, remodeling occurs, with bone being reshaped and replaced by mature lamellar bone over time to restore normal strength and contour. This progression from inflammation to soft callus, to hard callus, and then remodeling best fits how fracture healing actually occurs.