The first step to heal a fracture is?
A. the formation of specialized callus,
B. the formation of a collar of normal bone covering the broken ends,
C. proper alignment of the fracture,
D. the formation of a fracture hematoma
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is D. the formation of a fracture hematoma.
Explanation:
When a bone fractures, the body’s first response is to stop the bleeding and initiate the healing process. The formation of a fracture hematoma is the initial step in the healing of a broken bone. Here’s how it works:
- Fracture Hematoma Formation (Step 1):
Immediately after a bone breaks, blood vessels within the bone and surrounding tissue are ruptured, leading to bleeding. This causes a clot, or hematoma, to form around the broken bone ends. The hematoma acts as a natural response to stop bleeding and provides a foundation for healing. It also brings inflammatory cells to the site of the fracture, which help clear out debris and prevent infection. This step typically takes a few hours to a few days, depending on the severity of the fracture. - Callus Formation (Step 2):
After the hematoma is established, it begins to turn into a more stable structure known as a soft callus. This is an early form of new tissue that is primarily made of cartilage and fibrous tissue. Over time, the callus will harden and become stronger, leading to bone formation. - Collar of Bone (Step 3):
A collar of normal bone begins to form around the fracture site, helping stabilize the bone as it heals. This is typically seen a few weeks after the injury. - Proper Alignment (Step 4):
While this is essential for proper healing, alignment is usually corrected as part of the initial treatment, either through manipulation or surgery, before the healing process progresses.
In conclusion, the formation of a fracture hematoma is the first and crucial step in the bone healing process, laying the foundation for the later stages of callus formation and bone regeneration.