Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
4
pubmed:dateCreated
1997-11-7
pubmed:abstractText
Flexible fixation of fractures with minimally invasive surgical techniques has become increasingly popular. Such techniques can lead to relatively large fracture gaps (larger than 5 mm) and considerable interfragmentary movements (0.2-5 mm). We investigated the influence of the size of the fracture gap, interfragmentary movement, and interfragmentary strain on the quality of fracture healing. A simple diaphyseal long-bone fracture was modeled by means of a transverse osteotomy of the right metatarsus in sheep. In 42 sheep, the metatarsus was stabilized with a custom-made external ring fixator that was adjustable for gap size and axial interfragmentary movement. The sheep were randomly divided into six groups with three different gap sizes (1, 2, or 6 mm) and small or large interfragmentary strain (approximately 7 or 31%). The movement of the fracture gap was monitored telemetrically by a displacement transducer attached to the fixator. After 9 weeks of healing, the explanted metatarsus was evaluated mechanically in a three-point bending test to determine bending stiffness and was radiographed to measure the amount of periosteal callus formation. Increased size of the gap (from 1 to 6 mm) resulted in a significant reduction in the bending stiffness of the healed bones. Larger interfragmentary movements and strains (31 compared with 7%) stimulated larger callus formation for small gaps (1-2 mm) but not for larger gaps (approximately 6 mm). The treatment of simple diaphyseal fractures with flexible fixation can be improved by careful reduction of the fracture; this prevents large interfragmentary gaps. The experimental fracture model for the metatarsus showed that the healing process was inferior when the gap was larger than 2 mm.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jul
pubmed:issn
0736-0266
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
15
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
577-84
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1997
pubmed:articleTitle
Influence of size and stability of the osteotomy gap on the success of fracture healing.
pubmed:affiliation
Abteilung Unfallchirurgische Forschung und Biomechanik, Universität Ulm, Germany. claes@sirius.medizin.uni-ulm.de
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't