Which of the following is crucial for assessing fracture healing?

X-ray imaging is crucial for assessing fracture healing because it provides a visual representation of the bone's structure and integrity. By using X-rays, healthcare professionals can evaluate the status of the fracture, including the formation of callus, alignment of the bone fragments, and signs of proper healing such as bone bridging across the fracture site. This imaging technique allows for monitoring over time, highlighting any delays in healing or complications such as nonunion or malunion of the fracture.

While other methods, like blood tests, might provide supportive information about a patient’s overall health or potential infections, they do not directly visualize the fracture healing process. Physical therapy sessions focus on recovery and functional restoration after a fracture but do not serve to assess the healing of the fracture itself. Patient interviews can provide subjective insights into pain and mobility, but they lack the diagnostic specificity that X-ray imaging offers for evaluating bone healing.