Softcallus
Softcallus is an early stage of fracture healing in which a fibrocartilaginous tissue bridges the fracture gap. It develops after the initial inflammatory and hematoma phases as periosteal and endosteal cells, along with inflammatory and mesenchymal cells, invade the fracture site and differentiate into chondrocytes and fibroblasts that produce extracellular matrix.
The tissue of the softcallus is rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans and becomes vascularized, forming
In terms of timing, softcallus typically forms within the first few weeks after injury and progresses over
Imaging and histology reflect its composition. Radiographs may show a radiolucent bridging callus at the fracture
Clinical significance lies in its role as a temporary stabilizing framework during healing. Adequate softcallus formation