What are the three overlapping stages of fracture healing?

• A. Inflammatory (hematoma); reparative (callus formation); remodeling
• B. Hematoma; angiogenesis; ossification
• C. Proliferative; maturational; consolidation
• D. Inflammatory; fibrous union; healing

Answer: (A)

Fracture healing progresses through three overlapping stages: inflammatory, reparative, and remodeling. In the inflammatory stage, bleeding creates a hematoma at the fracture site and inflammatory cells rush in, releasing cytokines and growth factors that clean up debris and set the stage for repair. In the reparative stage, a soft tissue (cartilaginous) callus forms and then is mineralized into a hard bony callus as woven bone is laid down and new blood vessels grow to supply the area. Finally, in remodeling, the temporary woven bone is replaced by mature lamellar bone, restoring the bone’s shape and strength along normal lines of stress over time. Because these processes overlap, inflammation can accompany early repair and remodeling can continue long after the initial injury.

The best answer matches this sequence by listing inflammatory (hematoma); reparative (callus formation); remodeling. Other options mix related processes or refer to outcomes (like fibrous union) that are not standard stages of healing.