American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

Which part of the healing process forms new bone after callus formation?

1. Osteocytes

2. Bone remodeling

3. Osteoblasts

4. Fracture healing

The correct answer is: Bone remodeling

The correct answer is bone remodeling. Following callus formation, the body undergoes a complex process of bone remodeling, which is essential for the restoration of the original bone structure. During this phase, the callus that forms at the fracture site is gradually replaced by mature bone tissue. Bone remodeling involves resorption of the callus, where the osteoclasts break down the callus tissue, followed by formation of new bone by osteoblasts. This phase is critical in ensuring that the new bone has the appropriate strength and structure, which is ultimately necessary for the successful integration of the bone and full recovery of function. Overall, the process involves a careful balance between the actions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, ensuring that any excess callus is removed and new bone is laid down in a manner that allows for proper load-bearing capabilities. This ensures that once healing is complete, the bone can withstand normal daily stress. Other options, like osteocytes and osteoblasts, are important to bone health and healing, but they do not specifically denote the process that occurs after callus formation. Similarly, while fracture healing encompasses the entire process, including the initial inflammatory and reparative phases, bone remodeling specifically outlines the stage of new bone formation following