No abstract

Local soft tissue compression of fractures enhances fracture healing. The mechanism remains uncertain. Past studies have focused on intermittent soft tissue compression. We report a preliminary study assessing the relationship between constant soft tissue compression and enhanced fracture healing in an osteotomy model designed to minimize confounding variables. Fibulae of nine New Zealand white rabbits were bilaterally osteotomized, openly stabilized, and fitted with spandex stockinets. Soft tissue at the osteotomy site was unilaterally compressed using a deforming element (load=26 mmHg). The contralateral side was saved as the control and was not compressed. Osteotomies were monitored with weekly radiographs. All fibulae in both groups were healed 6 weeks postoperatively. Micro-CT analysis of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume (BV) was then performed on both the experimental and control sides. Radiographic measurement of transverse callus-to-shaft ratios (TCSR) was compared.

No abstract

Endochondral fracture healing, the process in which callus bridges a fracture, can be enhanced using a brace with a deforming element. This deforming element acts to locally increase pressure at the fracture site. In this paper, we describe a bracing device, which has the capability of controlling blood flow in targeted regions of an extremity. Controlling the blood flow around a fracture site induces a mechanism that enhances fracture healing. We hypothesize that, since local oxygen tension is lowered by means of controlling the blood flow at the fracture site, fracture healing is accelerated and bony union is more likely. Using the results of several previous studies, we will show that increased mechanical pressure in the soft tissues over the fracture site enhances fracture healing.