There are four stages in the healing of a bone fracture. Which of the following best illustrates the sequence of these stages? 1. bony callus formation 2. bone remodeling 3. fibrocartilage callus formation 4. hematoma formation \( 4,3,2,1 \) \( 4,3,1,2 \) \( 1,2,3,4 \) \( 1,3,4,2 \)

The correct sequence of the stages in the healing of a bone fracture is \( 4,3,1,2 \). Initially, a hematoma forms at the fracture site, providing a scaffold for the healing process. This is followed by the formation of a fibrocartilage callus, which helps bridge the gap between the broken ends. Next, the body lays down bony callus to stabilize the fracture, and finally, bone remodeling takes place to strengthen the healed area and restore its original shape. Curious about how bone healing differs between adults and children? Children heal faster due to their higher metabolic rates and blood supply to their bones. Their bones are still growing, making them more flexible and responsive to healing. This means that fractures in children might take only a few weeks to heal completely, while adults may need several months!