Final answer:
The bone healing process after a fracture involves ossification, callus formation, and remodeling. A fracture hematoma forms first, followed by a fibrocartilaginous and then a bony callus, with the final stage being the reshaping of the bone by osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of bone healing after a fracture includes multiple steps, primarily described as ossification, callus formation, and remodeling. Initially, when a bone fractures, blood vessels within the bone tear, leading to a fracture hematoma. This sets the stage for the healing process as the body begins callus formation, creating a fibrocartilaginous callus that connects the broken bone ends through collagen fibers produced by fibroblasts and spongy bone formed by osteoblasts.
Subsequently, this callus is converted into a bony callus as the cartilage is ossified. The final stage is remodeling, where the bony callus is reshaped by both osteoclasts (which break down bone) and osteoblasts (which build new bone), forming bone tissue that resembles the original, unbroken bone. This remodeling ensures the bone is properly shaped and can withstand normal stresses; it may take several months, during which the bone continues to adapt and regain strength.