Inflammation and repair: fracture callus: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Inflammation and repair: fracture callus

Sample item

At four weeks after a closed femoral shaft fracture, radiographs show bridging callus. Which tissue forms the hard callus before it is remodelled?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Woven bone

Fracture repair proceeds from haematoma to a soft callus of granulation tissue and fibrocartilage, then to a hard callus of woven bone laid down by osteoblasts. Remodelling later replaces woven bone with mechanically oriented lamellar bone. Non-union occurs when fibrous tissue persists.

Option by option

  • A. Hyaline cartilage

    Cartilage forms the soft callus and is replaced by bone through endochondral ossification.

  • B. Woven bone (correct)

    Correct. Woven bone bridges the fracture and is later remodelled.

  • C. Dense fibrous scar

    Dense fibrous scar is the result of non-union.

  • D. Lamellar bone

    Lamellar bone is the end product of remodelling and not the first bridging bone.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is B, Woven bone. Fracture repair proceeds from haematoma to a soft callus of granulation tissue and fibrocartilage, then to a hard callus of woven bone laid down by osteoblasts.

Why is "Hyaline cartilage" not the answer?

Cartilage forms the soft callus and is replaced by bone through endochondral ossification.

Why is "Dense fibrous scar" not the answer?

Dense fibrous scar is the result of non-union.

Why is "Lamellar bone" not the answer?

Lamellar bone is the end product of remodelling and not the first bridging bone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inflammation and repair: fracture callus in Pathology. Remodelling later replaces woven bone with mechanically oriented lamellar bone. Non-union occurs when fibrous tissue persists.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Inflammation and repair: fracture callus?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.