MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The healing process is mainly determined by the periosteum (the connective tissue membrane covering the bone). The periosteum is one source of precursor cells that develop into chondroblasts and osteoblasts that are essential to the healing of bone.

Detailed explanation-2: -The periosteum is a complex structure composed of an outer fibrous layer that lends structural integrity and an inner cambium layer that possesses osteogenic potential. During growth and development it contributes to bone elongation and modeling, and when the bone is injured, participates in its recovery.

Detailed explanation-3: -The periosteum is the major source of cells involved in fracture healing.

Detailed explanation-4: -This process is defined as periosteal activation. By comparing periosteal with endosteal/bone marrow injuries in mice tibia, Colnot found that periosteal injuries heal by endochondral ossification, whereas endosteal/bone marrow injuries heal by intramembranous ossification without chondrogenesis (Colnot, 2009).

Detailed explanation-5: -Fracture healing is a complex process that involves presence of osteoprogenitor cells and growth factors. Therefore, the integrity of the fracture site surrounding tissues including periosteum is necessary in order to provide the resources for bone regeneration.