Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

What occurs during the remodeling phase of fracture healing?

1. The bone is laid down and hardens

2. Callus formation happens

3. The bone is replaced with new bone tissue

4. The bone remodeling continues over a long period

The correct answer is: The bone remodeling continues over a long period

During the remodeling phase of fracture healing, the focus is on the ongoing process of bone remodeling that helps restore bone strength and structural integrity following a fracture. This phase can last for months to years after the initial healing process, as the bone continues to adapt to normal stresses and loads. During remodeling, the body lays down new bone tissue, reabsorbing the callus that was formed in the earlier stages of healing. The bone is slowly transformed from a disorganized structure back into a more organized, robust architecture, ideally resembling its original form. This response to mechanical load is essential to ensure that the bone can withstand future stresses and prevent re-fracture. The other options describe different aspects of fracture healing but do not accurately reflect the primary focus of the remodeling phase. Options related to the hardening of bone or callus formation pertain to earlier phases of healing, where stabilization and initial union occur. In contrast, the remodeling phase emphasizes the long-term adaptation of the bone to mechanical demands, underscoring the dynamic nature of bone tissue.