What is the first stage of fracture healing?

The first stage of fracture healing is hematoma development. This stage occurs immediately following a fracture when blood vessels are damaged, leading to the accumulation of blood at the fracture site, forming a hematoma. This hematoma serves several critical functions in the healing process. It creates a localized inflammatory response which facilitates the influx of necessary cells that initiate healing. Additionally, the hematoma forms a scaffold for new tissue to develop, essentially setting the foundation for further stages of healing.

Callus formation, which is often thought of in the context of healing, actually occurs later in the healing process after the hematoma has formed and is followed by the development of granulation tissue. Bone remodeling is the final stage of fracture healing, where bone is reshaped and strengthened over time to restore its original architecture and function. Each of these processes is essential, but hematoma development is the crucial and foundational first step in the overall healing trajectory.