Can bone repair itself without external intervention?

• A. No
• B. Only with grafts
• C. Yes
• D. Only in children

Answer: (C)

Bones have an inherent ability to heal because of their blood supply and the activity of the periosteum and bone-forming cells. When a fracture occurs, the body forms a hematoma, then recruits osteoprogenitor cells that lay down a soft callus, which is later replaced by hard bone and remodeled into mature lamellar bone. This sequence can proceed without grafting or surgical grafts as long as the fracture is properly stabilized and there is good blood flow to the area. External grafts or implants are reserved for cases with large bone gaps, poor healing, or nonunion. Age can influence healing speed, with children typically healing faster, but adults can heal too. So bone can repair itself without external intervention in many standard fractures, making that option the best choice.