What is the last stage of bone fracture healing?

What is the last stage of bone fracture healing?

• A. Hematoma forms
• B. Fibrocartilage callus forms
• C. Bony callus forms
• D. Bone remodeling

Answer: (D)

The last stage is remodeling, where the new bone tissue is refined and restored to its original strength and shape. After the fracture is bridged by a soft callus and then a hard bony callus, remodeling gradually replaces the temporary woven bone with organized lamellar bone. Osteoclasts resorb the excess and irregular bone, while osteoblasts lay down new, orderly bone matrix, guided by mechanical stresses. This phase can take months to years and culminates in the return of normal bone structure and strength, rather than just bridging the gap.

The last stage is remodeling, where the new bone tissue is refined and restored to its original strength and shape. After the fracture is bridged by a soft callus and then a hard bony callus, remodeling gradually replaces the temporary woven bone with organized lamellar bone. Osteoclasts resorb the excess and irregular bone, while osteoblasts lay down new, orderly bone matrix, guided by mechanical stresses. This phase can take months to years and culminates in the return of normal bone structure and strength, rather than just bridging the gap.