Final answer:
The steps involved in fracture repair include the formation of a fracture hematoma, the formation of internal and external calli, replacement of cartilage with trabecular bone, and remodeling of the bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steps involved in fracture repair, beginning just after the fracture occurs, are as follows:
- A fracture hematoma forms. This is a blood clot that forms at the site of the fracture.
- Internal and external calli form. Chondrocytes from the endosteum secrete a fibrocartilaginous matrix between the broken bone ends, creating an internal callus. Periosteal chondrocytes and osteoblasts create an external callus of hyaline cartilage and bone around the outside of the break.
- Cartilage of the calli is replaced by trabecular bone. The fibrocartilaginous callus is gradually replaced by trabecular bone.
- Remodeling occurs. The trabecular bone is remodeled to form compact bone, restoring the bone's original structure and strength.