Enhancement of Long Bone Fracture Healing by Local Soft Tissue Compression1

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.