Four Stages in the Healing of a Bone Fracture
Hematoma Formation
-a mass of clotted blood (hematoma) forms at the fractured site -site becomes swollen, painful, and inflamed in response to dead bone cells - this stage may last up to several weeks
Bony Callus Formation
-formation of the bony callus occurs as the fibrocartilagenous callus is converted to spongy bone trabeculae -the bony callus last about 3 to 4 months
Fibrocartilaginous Callus Formation
-a fibrocartilagenous callus consists of a mass collagen fibers and cartilage that bridge the broken end of the bone -this stage may last up to three weeks
Bone Remodeling
-the remaining bone fragments are reabsorbed, and compact bone replaces spongy bone at the periphery -this can take weeks to months depending on the fracture.