Exam random info

Question 1

Fracture healing times

Answer 1

Stage 1:
Haematoma and localized swelling. May see soft tissue swelling on films. No apparent change to surrounding bone tissue (unless blatant).

Stage 2:
- 24-48 hrs: Localized osteopoenia. First 5 days see osteoclastic activity visibly increasing width of fracture line.

Stage 3
- About 2 weeks (10-30 days): Callus formation appears as a veil of new bone adjacent to the fracture site.

Stage 4
- Next 4-12 weeks: Gradual remodeling and repair of cortical integrity. Generally 4-6 weeks in pediatric cases and 6-12 weeks in geriatric.