What characterizes the chronic stage of healing?

What characterizes the chronic stage of healing?

• A. Maturation and remodeling; no signs of inflammation; ROM limited due to contractions/adhesions
• B. Acute inflammation persists
• C. Rapid tissue breakdown
• D. Immediate full recovery

Answer: (A)

During the chronic stage, healing tissue completes maturation and remodeling. Collagen fibers reorient and align along lines of stress, gradually increasing tensile strength as cross-links form and the scar becomes more organized. Inflammation has largely resolved, so there are few or no signs of active inflammation. Range of motion can still be limited because of contractures or adhesions within the scar and nearby tissues, reflecting accrued scar tissue rather than ongoing injury. This is why this stage is characterized by maturation and remodeling with minimal inflammatory signs, rather than ongoing inflammation, rapid breakdown, or immediate full recovery.

During the chronic stage, healing tissue completes maturation and remodeling. Collagen fibers reorient and align along lines of stress, gradually increasing tensile strength as cross-links form and the scar becomes more organized. Inflammation has largely resolved, so there are few or no signs of active inflammation. Range of motion can still be limited because of contractures or adhesions within the scar and nearby tissues, reflecting accrued scar tissue rather than ongoing injury. This is why this stage is characterized by maturation and remodeling with minimal inflammatory signs, rather than ongoing inflammation, rapid breakdown, or immediate full recovery.