5.2.2 HBS Fracture Repair Steps

Step 1- Hematoma Formation

Blood vessels that are ruptured during the break swell to form a mass called a hematoma. This mass forms between the broken bones.

Step 3 - Bony Callus Formation

The fibrocartilage callus is gradually replaced by one made of spongy bone. This new mass is referred to as the bony callus. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts move to the area and multiply.

Step 2 - Fibrocartilage Callus Formation

New capillaries begin to form into the clotted blood in the damaged area. Connective tissues cells form a mass of repair tissue called a fibrocartilage callus. This callus contains some cartilage, some bone and collagen fibers and the combined mass closes the gap between the broken bones.

Step 4 - Bone Remodeling

Over the weeks and months to come, the callus is remodeled with the help of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. The shape of the bones will gradually return to normal and there will eventually be little evidence of the fracture.