Fracture Healing — Stages

A 35-year-old male presents with a closed fracture of the mid-shaft humerus sustained 6 weeks ago. Clinical examination shows good callus formation and minimal tenderness. The patient is keen to know the stage of fracture healing and the best investigation to confirm the presence of bridging callus and assess fracture union.

A 32-year-old male labourer presents to the orthopaedic clinic 6 weeks after sustaining a closed fracture of the mid-shaft humerus. Clinical examination reveals mild swelling and tenderness at the fracture site, but no gross deformity. Plain radiographs show early callus formation bridging the fracture ends, with some resorption of the fracture margins. The patient reports pain on active movement but no neurovascular deficit. Which stage of fracture healing is most likely occurring at this point?

A 28-year-old female presents 10 days after a closed fracture of the distal radius managed with closed reduction and plaster immobilization. Examination reveals significant swelling, pain at the fracture site, and warmth over the cast. Plain radiographs confirm fracture alignment is maintained. The patient reports severe pain despite analgesia. What is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?

A 28-year-old woman is reviewed 16 weeks after surgical fixation of a comminuted fracture of the distal femur with open reduction and internal plate fixation. Radiographs show complete bridging of the fracture site with dense callus, obliteration of the fracture line, and early resorption of excess callus. The patient is able to bear full weight without pain and has regained near-normal knee range of motion. Which stage of fracture healing is now predominant, and what is the expected outcome at this timepoint?

Which of the following is the most common type of bone healing that occurs in most fractures managed with rigid fixation?