What is a primary feature of the remodeling phase in terms of tissue structure?

The remodeling phase is a critical part of the healing process following tissue injury, particularly in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. During this phase, one of the primary features is the alignment of collagen fibers. This alignment occurs as the body re-organizes and strengthens the newly formed tissue to better withstand the stresses it will encounter during functional activities.

As the healing progresses, fibroblasts actively synthesize collagen, which initially is disorganized. Over time, through mechanical loading and other biological processes, these collagen fibers become oriented along lines of tensile stress. This orientation is essential for creating a functional tissue structure that can effectively support physical activities without failure. Proper alignment contributes to improved tensile strength and functional capacity of the healed tissue.

In contrast, inflammation is typically prominent during the acute phase of healing, granulation tissue appears early in the healing process as wounds begin to fill, and high cellularity is associated with the active phases of healing but diminishes as remodeling progresses. Therefore, the consistent and effective alignment of collagen during the remodeling phase is a hallmark characteristic that distinguishes it from other phases of healing.