What consequence can arise from a prolonged inflammatory response?

A prolonged inflammatory response can lead to excessive scarring and impaired healing due to the sustained presence of inflammatory mediators and cells in the affected area. When inflammation is prolonged, the body's normal healing processes can become dysregulated, leading to an abnormal accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix components. This excessive scarring can disrupt the normal architecture of tissues, potentially leading to complications such as adhesions, loss of function, and reduced range of motion.

In addition, prolonged inflammation can hinder the transition from the inflammatory phase of healing to the proliferative phase, which is crucial for effective tissue repair. The body's attempt to continually address an ongoing inflammatory response can result in chronic conditions rather than a resolution of the injury, further complicating recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

Other options such as improved healing and faster recovery, increased risk of infection, or reduced vascularity do not capture the central issue of how prolonged inflammation fundamentally alters the healing environment, leading specifically to excessive scarring and compromised healing outcomes.