Which sequence correctly lists the four stages of bone fracture repair in order?

Which sequence correctly lists the four stages of bone fracture repair in order?

• A. Hematoma Formation -> Fibrocartilaginous Callus Formation -> Bony Callus Formation -> Bone Remodeling
• B. Hematoma Formation -> Fibrocartilaginous Callus Formation -> Bone Remodeling -> Bony Callus Formation
• C. Hematoma Formation -> Fibrocartilaginous Callus Formation -> Bony Callus Formation -> Bone Remodeling
• D. Fibrocartilaginous Callus Formation -> Hematoma Formation -> Bony Callus Formation -> Bone Remodeling

Answer: (C)

When a bone fracture heals, it does so in a defined order: first a hematoma forms at the break, providing an initial clot and inflammatory signals; then a fibrocartilaginous (soft) callus develops to bridge the gap with connective tissue and cartilage; next a bony (hard) callus forms as woven bone replaces the soft tissue to stabilize the fracture; finally, bone remodeling reshapes and strengthens the area, converting woven bone to lamellar bone and restoring the bone’s original form. This sequence—hematoma formation, then fibrocartilaginous callus formation, then bony callus formation, and finally remodeling—best fits the natural repair process. The other options either move the remodeling step to an earlier stage or omit the initial hematoma sequence, which would not reflect how the body stabilizes and then rebuilds a fractured bone.

When a bone fracture heals, it does so in a defined order: first a hematoma forms at the break, providing an initial clot and inflammatory signals; then a fibrocartilaginous (soft) callus develops to bridge the gap with connective tissue and cartilage; next a bony (hard) callus forms as woven bone replaces the soft tissue to stabilize the fracture; finally, bone remodeling reshapes and strengthens the area, converting woven bone to lamellar bone and restoring the bone’s original form.

This sequence—hematoma formation, then fibrocartilaginous callus formation, then bony callus formation, and finally remodeling—best fits the natural repair process. The other options either move the remodeling step to an earlier stage or omit the initial hematoma sequence, which would not reflect how the body stabilizes and then rebuilds a fractured bone.