[Effects of isopsoralen on tibial fracture and vascular healing in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore effects of isopsoralen (ISO) with different doses on fracture and vascular healing in mice. METHODS: Sixty 2-month-old male C57BL/6 mices with body mass of (20±2) g were selected and divided into 4 groups by random number table method:model group (model), low dose group (isopsoralen-low dose, ISO-L), medium dose group (isopsoralen-medium dose, ISO-M) and high dose group (isopsoralen-high dose, ISO-H), with 15 animals in each group. The right tibial fracture model was established. After operation, ISO-L group, ISO-M group and ISO-H group were given ISO concentration of 10 mg·kg-1, 20 mg·kg-1 and 40 mg·kg-1, respectively. Model group was given same volume of normal saline once a day for 28 days. Weighed once a week. X-ray was performed on 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, respectively, and modified I.R. Garrett scoring method was used to evaluate callus growth. After 28 days, the main organs were stripped and weighed, and organ coefficients were calculated. Hematoxylin eosin staining (HE staining) was performed on the organs to observe whether there were pathological structural changes. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was used to scan fracture area and conduct three-dimensional reconstruction to obtain the effect map, and quantify bone volume fraction (bone volume/total volume, BV/TV). After decalcification, the tibia was embedded in paraffin wax and sectioned. The healing and shape of fracture end were observed by HE staining and ferruxin solid green staining. The right tibia was removed and decalcified after intravascular infusion of Microfil contrast agent. Micro-CT was used to scan the callus microvessels in the fracture area, and the vascular volume fraction and vessel diameter were quantified. RESULTS: After 28 days of administration, there was no significant difference in body mass and organ coefficient among all groups (P>0.05), and no significant pathological changes were found in HE staining of organs. The results of X-ray and improved I.R. Garrett score showed that ISO-M group was higher than that of Model group at 28 days (P<0.05). Scores of ISO-H group at 14, 21 and 28 days were higher than those of the other 3 groups (P<0.05). Micro-CT results showed intracavitary callus in ISO-M group was significantly reduced, which was lower than that in Model group (P<0.05), most of the callus in ISO-H group were subsided, and BV/TV in ISO-H group was lower than that in the other 3 groups (P<0.05). The results of HE staining and ferrubens solid green staining showed fracture area of ISO-H group was closed, continuous laminar bone had appeared, and the fracture healing process was higher than that of other groups. Angiographic results showed vascular volume fraction in ISO-H and ISO-M groups was higher than that in Model and ISO-L groups (P<0.05), and the vascular diameter in ISO-H and ISO-M groups was higher than that in Model and ISO-L groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In the concentration range of 10-40 mg·kg-1, ISO has no obvious toxic and side effects, and could improve bone microstructure, promote formation of callus microvessels, and accelerate healing of fracture ends in a concentration-dependent manner.

The Healing Callus-Promoting Effect of Fenugreek in a Humerus Shaft Fracture: A Case Report.

A 54-year-old male presented with a fractured shaft in the right humerus and refused surgery. The patient was treated with a cast, and a follow-up plain radiography revealed good callus formation after 32 days. The patient had a history of receiving fenugreek seed extract from the first week after the fracture. We did our best to exclude any other factors that helped rapid fracture healing with good callus formation in our patient. The current case supports the hypothesis that fenugreek seed extract promotes bone healing. This hypothesis is supported by a literature review. Previous studies have suggested several mechanisms by which fenugreek promotes bone healing.

Closed reduction with percutaneous Kirschner wire drill-and-pry for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures with bony callus formation and delayed presentation.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar humeral fractures are the most common type of pediatric elbow fractures, and are primarily treated using closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. For patients who are treated ≥14 days after the injury, after callus formation has occurred, closed reduction is usually not possible. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcomes of closed reduction with percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) drill-and-pry for the delayed treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures with bony callus formation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 16 patients who underwent percutaneous K-wire drill-and-pry between November 2019 and August 2021 for the treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures with bony callus formation ≥14 days after the injury. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Flynn criteria. The postoperative Baumann angle and pin configuration were evaluated using x-ray examinations. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 8-28 months (average, 16.63 months). The fractures healed in 4-6 weeks (average, 4.38 weeks). The operative time ranged from 10 to 124 min (average, 35.12 min). No iatrogenic vascular or nerve injury occurred. No patient developed cubitus varus. According to the Flynn criteria, 12 patients had excellent outcomes, 2 patients had good outcomes, 1 patient had a fair outcome and 1 patient had a poor outcome. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction with percutaneous K-wire drill-and-pry is a mini invasive technique for supracondylar humeral fractures with bony callus formation in children. Most patients had a good clinical and cosmetic outcomes without scarring.

Effects of isopsoralen on tibial fracture and vascular healing in mice / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore effects of isopsoralen (ISO) with different doses on fracture and vascular healing in mice.@*METHODS@#Sixty 2-month-old male C57BL/6 mices with body mass of (20±2) g were selected and divided into 4 groups by random number table method:model group (model), low dose group (isopsoralen-low dose, ISO-L), medium dose group (isopsoralen-medium dose, ISO-M) and high dose group (isopsoralen-high dose, ISO-H), with 15 animals in each group. The right tibial fracture model was established. After operation, ISO-L group, ISO-M group and ISO-H group were given ISO concentration of 10 mg·kg-1, 20 mg·kg-1 and 40 mg·kg-1, respectively. Model group was given same volume of normal saline once a day for 28 days. Weighed once a week. X-ray was performed on 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, respectively, and modified I.R. Garrett scoring method was used to evaluate callus growth. After 28 days, the main organs were stripped and weighed, and organ coefficients were calculated. Hematoxylin eosin staining (HE staining) was performed on the organs to observe whether there were pathological structural changes. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was used to scan fracture area and conduct three-dimensional reconstruction to obtain the effect map, and quantify bone volume fraction (bone volume/total volume, BV/TV). After decalcification, the tibia was embedded in paraffin wax and sectioned. The healing and shape of fracture end were observed by HE staining and ferruxin solid green staining. The right tibia was removed and decalcified after intravascular infusion of Microfil contrast agent. Micro-CT was used to scan the callus microvessels in the fracture area, and the vascular volume fraction and vessel diameter were quantified.@*RESULTS@#After 28 days of administration, there was no significant difference in body mass and organ coefficient among all groups (P>0.05), and no significant pathological changes were found in HE staining of organs. The results of X-ray and improved I.R. Garrett score showed that ISO-M group was higher than that of Model group at 28 days (P<0.05). Scores of ISO-H group at 14, 21 and 28 days were higher than those of the other 3 groups (P<0.05). Micro-CT results showed intracavitary callus in ISO-M group was significantly reduced, which was lower than that in Model group (P<0.05), most of the callus in ISO-H group were subsided, and BV/TV in ISO-H group was lower than that in the other 3 groups (P<0.05). The results of HE staining and ferrubens solid green staining showed fracture area of ISO-H group was closed, continuous laminar bone had appeared, and the fracture healing process was higher than that of other groups. Angiographic results showed vascular volume fraction in ISO-H and ISO-M groups was higher than that in Model and ISO-L groups (P<0.05), and the vascular diameter in ISO-H and ISO-M groups was higher than that in Model and ISO-L groups (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#In the concentration range of 10-40 mg·kg-1, ISO has no obvious toxic and side effects, and could improve bone microstructure, promote formation of callus microvessels, and accelerate healing of fracture ends in a concentration-dependent manner.

Treatment strategy for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures with callus formation and displacement neglected for over 1 week / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the treatment strategy for pediatric humeral supracondylar fractures with callus formation and displacement neglected for over 1 week.Methods:A retrospective analysis was made of the clinical data of 36 children who had been treated at Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University from January 2011 to January 2021 for humeral supracondylar fractures with callus formation and displacement neglected for over 1 week. There were 22 boys and 14 girls, with an age of (6.7±2.7) years (from 2.3 to 12.8 years). All fractures were Gartland type Ⅲ. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their treatment methods: a closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) group of 15 patients subjected to the CRPP treatment only, and a leverage group of 21 patients subjected to CRPP assisted by the "lever technique" with posterior elbow Kirschner wire prying and pulling. The 2 groups were compared in terms of operation time, fluoroscopy frequency, quality of reduction, and recovery time for elbow range of motion; the elbow range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS), Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and complications were assessed at the last follow-up.Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there was no significant difference between them in the general information before operation ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (26.2±16.3) months (from 6 to 96 months). All the fractures obtained acceptable reduction and clinical union 4 to 6 weeks after operation. The operation time [(28.2±6.8) min] and fluoroscopy frequency [(27.0±6.0) times] in the leverage group were significantly less than those in the CRPP group [(40.8±10.8) min and (43.3±11.4) times] ( P<0.05). The CRPP group was significantly better than the leverage group in the intraoperative Baumann angle (78.1°±1.6° versus 73.7°±4.1°), lateral capitellohumeral angle (58.3°±2.6° versus 49.6°±5.2°) and horizontal rotation rate (109.5%±3.0% versus 103.2%±4.9%) ( P<0.05). The intraoperative reduction in the CRPP group was significantly closer to the normal mean value than that in the leverage group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the recovery time for elbow range of motion between the CRPP and the leverage groups ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the Baumann angle (75.4°±2.8°) and the lateral capitellohumeral angle (53.2°±3.6°) in the leverage group were still significantly better than those in the CRPP group (78.3°±1.5° and 57.5°±2.3°) ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the elbow range of motion, VAS, MEPS or incidence of complications between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:To treat humeral supracondylar fractures with callus formation and displacement neglected for over 1 week in children, CRPP assisted by the "lever technique" with posterior elbow Kirschner wire prying and pulling is an efficient and accurate method, because it can lead to more satisfactory reduction than CRPP only.

Evidence for Local Antibiotics in the Prevention of Infection in Orthopaedic Trauma.

Prevention of fracture-related infection (FRI) remains a substantial challenge in orthopaedic trauma care. There is evolving evidence to support the use of local antibiotics for both the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal infection. Local antibiotics can achieve higher local tissue concentrations with a lower risk of systemic complications compared to intravenously administered antibiotics. These antibiotics may be administered in powder or liquid form without carrier, or if sustained release is desired, using a carrier. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), ceramics, and hydrogels are examples of antibiotic carriers. Unlike PMMA, ceramics and hydrogels have the advantage of not requiring a second surgery for removal. The VANCO trial supported the use of powdered vancomycin in high-risk fracture cases for the reduction of Gram-positive infections; although, data is limited. Future studies will evaluate the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics to address Gram-negative infection prevention. While theoretical concerns exist with the use of local antibiotics, available studies suggest local antibiotics are safe with a low-risk of adverse effects.

Vibration therapy as an effective approach to improve bone healing in diabetic rats.

Objective: To investigate the effects of vibration therapy on fracture healing in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Methods: 148 rats underwent fracture surgery and were assigned to four groups: (1) SHAM: weight-matched non-diabetic rats, (2) SHAM+VT: non-diabetic rats treated with vibration therapy (VT), (3) DM: diabetic rats, and (4) DM+VT: diabetic rats treated with VT. Thirty days after diabetes induction with streptozotocin, animals underwent bone fracture, followed by surgical stabilization. Three days after bone fracture, rats began VT. Bone healing was assessed on days 14 and 28 post-fracture by serum bone marker analysis, and femurs collected for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, micro-computed tomography, histology, and gene expression. Results: Our results are based on 88 animals. Diabetes led to a dramatic impairment of bone healing as demonstrated by a 17% reduction in bone mineral density and decreases in formation-related microstructural parameters compared to non-diabetic control rats (81% reduction in bone callus volume, 69% reduction in woven bone fraction, 39% reduction in trabecular thickness, and 45% in trabecular number). These changes were accompanied by a significant decrease in the expression of osteoblast-related genes (Runx2, Col1a1, Osx), as well as a 92% reduction in serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) levels. On the other hand, resorption-related parameters were increased in diabetic rats, including a 20% increase in the callus porosity, a 33% increase in trabecular separation, and a 318% increase in serum C terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen levels. VT augmented osteogenic and chondrogenic cell proliferation at the fracture callus in diabetic rats; increased circulating IGF-1 by 668%, callus volume by 52%, callus bone mineral content by 90%, and callus area by 72%; and was associated with a 19% reduction in circulating receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta ligand (RANK-L). Conclusions: Diabetes had detrimental effects on bone healing. Vibration therapy was effective at counteracting the significant disruption in bone repair induced by diabetes, but did not improve fracture healing in non-diabetic control rats. The mechanical stimulus not only improved bone callus quality and quantity, but also partially restored the serum levels of IGF-1 and RANK-L, inducing bone formation and mineralization, thus creating conditions for adequate fracture repair in diabetic rats.

A comparison of distal femoral locking plates for distal femur fractures: Long working length versus short working length.

OBJECTIVE: To compare long working length distal femoral locking plates with short working length for treating extra-articular distal femur fractures in terms of union and implant failure. METHODS: The randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from April 28, 2018, to March 10, 2021, and comprised all adult patients of either gender with extra-articular distal femur fractures who were randomised into two groups. Group A was exposed to long working length, while group B had short working length. Patients in both the groups were followed up regularly for one year for the assessment of fracture union and implant failure. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: In the group of the 61 patients, 30(49.2%) were in group A; 24(80%) males and 6(20%) females with overall mean age of 37.9±9.6 years. The remaining 31(50.8%) were in group B; 26(83.8%) males and 5(16.1%) females with overall mean age of 37.2±1 years. The mean working length in group A was 75±5mm and in group B it was 35±9mm. In group A 28(93.3%) fractures healed, while in group B 19(61.2%) fractures achieved union (p=0.01). Non-union was noted in 2(6.6%) patients in group A and 7(22.5%) in group B (p=0.08). Plate breakage was noted in 3(9.6%) patients and screw breakage in 2(6.4%) patients in group B and none in group A (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Long working length titanium locking plates were found to be better than short working length in achieving fracture union and avoiding implant failure.

Effect of local gene therapy on expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in callus of distraction gap during mandibular distraction osteogenesis in rabbits / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of electroporation-mediated local gene therapy on the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in callus of distraction gap during mandibular distraction osteogenesis of rabbits.Methods:The experiments were conducted in the laboratory of the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2019 to December 2019. Forty eight New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into control group (group A), gene therapy group (group B) and normal saline group (group C), with 16 rabbits in each group. After bilateral mandible osteotomy and distractors were implanted, the distractors were activated at a speed of 0.8 mm/d on 4th day, postoperatively, and lasted for 7 days, followed by consolidation period. Group A distracted only, group B was subject to local injection of recombinant plasmid pIRES-hBMP2-hVEGF165 in the distraction gap and electroporation stimulation at the beginning of activation distractors; and group C local injection of the same dose of normal saline in the distraction gap and electroporation stimulation at the beginning of activation distractors. Four animals in each group were sacrificed on the day at the end of distraction, 7th, 14th, 28th days of consolidation period, respectively. The callus in the distraction gap was taken for immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR to detect the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin, and image analysis was performed. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results:Immunohistochemical staining showed that Wnt3a and β-catenin were mainly located in the cytoplasm and nuclei of fibroblasts, chondrocytes and osteoblasts in callus tissue. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR showed that the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin reached a peak at the end of distraction. With the disappearance of distraction tension, the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin gradually decreased. After gene therapy intervention, the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin was significantly increased, and the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in group B was the highest at each time point, with statistically significant difference compared with groups A and C ( F=96.3, P<0.01). Conclusions:Gene therapy promotes the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in the callus of distraction gap, regulating the balance of the bone reconstruction system and thus promoting the formation of new bone in the distraction gap.

Monitoring the Progress of Treatment in Fracture Non-Union: The Role of Alkaline Phosphatase and Ultrasonography.

Objective To evaluate the role of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and ultrasonography (USG) in monitoring the progress of treatment in diaphyseal non-unions. Methods This prospective observational cohort study included adult patients with diaphyseal fractures of major long bones previously treated with internal fixation and eventually resulting in non-union. Following the definitive treatment for non-union, the patients were followed-up periodically for six months, and serial monitoring of the levels of ALP and USG were performed along with radiographs (X-rays) to ascertain the status of the union. Results After an initial rise at seven weeks, ALP levels declined to normal values in fractures which united, whereas they remained high in cases of persistent non-union. Similarly, after an elevation of the vascular resistive index (RI) at around 12 weeks in all the patients, it decreased in cases progressing to union, while it remained persistently high even at 24 weeks in fractures failing to unite. Cases of persistent non-union continued to show hypoechogenic callus at 24 weeks instead of converting into hyperechogenic callus, as observed in cases which progressed to union. Conclusion Significant changes suggestive of union appeared simultaneously on the X-rays, USG and ALP levels during the follow-up. However, a serial examination of the ALP levels and USG during the follow-up gave a hint of the direction of progress in the healing process of fracture non-union. Their role in monitoring the outcome of non-union is more complimentary than supplementary to the X-rays.

Monitoring the Progress of Treatment in Fracture Non-Union: The Role of Alkaline Phosphatase and Ultrasonography / Monitoramento da evolução do tratamento da ausência de consolidação da fratura: Papel da fosfatase alcalina e da ultrassonografia

Abstract Objective To evaluate the role of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and ultrasonography (USG) in monitoring the progress of treatment in diaphyseal non-unions. Methods This prospective observational cohort study included adult patients with diaphyseal fractures of major long bones previously treated with internal fixation and eventually resulting in non-union. Following the definitive treatment for non-union, the patients were followed-up periodically for six months, and serial monitoring of the levels of ALP and USG were performed along with radiographs (X-rays) to ascertain the status of the union. Results After an initial rise at seven weeks, ALP levels declined to normal values in fractures which united, whereas they remained high in cases of persistent non-union. Similarly, after an elevation of the vascular resistive index (RI) at around 12 weeks in all the patients, it decreased in cases progressing to union, while it remained persistently high even at 24 weeks in fractures failing to unite. Cases of persistent non-union continued to show hypoechogenic callus at 24 weeks instead of converting into hyperechogenic callus, as observed in cases which progressed to union. Conclusion Significant changes suggestive of union appeared simultaneously on the X-rays, USG and ALP levels during the follow-up. However, a serial examination of the ALP levels and USG during the follow-up gave a hint of the direction of progress in the healing process of fracture non-union. Their role in monitoring the outcome of nonunion is more complimentary than supplementary to the X-rays.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o papel da concentração sérica de fosfatase alcalina (FA) e da ultrassonografia no monitoramento do progresso do tratamento da ausência de consolidação em fraturas diafisárias. Métodos Este estudo de coorte observacional prospectivo incluiu pacientes adultos com fraturas diafisárias dos principais ossos longos previamente submetidas a fixação interna sem consolidação. Após o tratamento definitivo, os pacientes foram avaliados periodicamente por seis meses, com realização seriada de ultrassonografia, determinação da concentração de FA e radiografias para verificar a presença de consolidação. Resultados Após um aumento inicial em sete semanas, os níveis de FA voltaram ao valor normal em pacientes com fraturas consolidadas, mas continuaram elevados nos casos de ausência de consolidação. Da mesma forma, após uma elevação do índice de resistência (IR) vascular em cerca de 12 semanas em todos os pacientes, o IR diminuiu nos casos que progrediram para consolidação, mas continuou alto até as 24 semanas em fraturas não consolidadas. Os casos com ausência de consolidação ainda apresentavam calo hipoecogênico às 24 semanas, que não se converteu no calo hiperecogênico observado nos casos que progrediram para consolidação. Conclusão Alterações significativas sugestivas de consolidação foram simultaneamente observadas nas radiografias, na ultrassonografia e na concentração de FA durante o período de acompanhamento. No entanto, a realização seriada de exames da concentração de FA e de ultrassonografia durante o acompanhamento indicou o progresso da consolidação da fratura. Seu papel no monitoramento da ausência de consolidação é mais complementar do que suplementar à radiografia.

Distracción osteogénica del tercio medio facial. Reporte de dos casos clínicos / Distraction osteogenesis of the midface. Two clinical cases report

La corrección quirúrgica de grandes asimetrías faciales son un desafío para el equipo quirúrgico. En dichos casos, los resultados de la corrección utilizando técnicas quirúrgicas convencionales son limitados, lo que hace necesario la utilización de otras herramientas terapéuticas. La distracción ósea (DO) es una de ellas, pues permite el estiramiento controlado del callo óseo previamente creado mediante osteotomías. La DO permite realizar cambios en el posicionamiento óseo de gran envergadura, favoreciendo el crecimiento óseo como mecanismo de acción. El objetivo de este artículo es describir los resultados quirúrgicos de DO intraoral del tercio medio facial utilizado en dos pacientes con severas asimetrías faciales asociadas a malformaciones de origen genético. Se relata el diagnóstico, la planificación, las herramientas tecnológicas utilizadas, técnica quirúrgica y los resultados obtenidos.

Surgical correction of major facial asymmetries is a challenge for the surgical team. In such cases, treatment results from conventional surgical techniques are limited, which requires using other therapeutic tools. Bone distraction is one of them, as it allows controlled stretching of the bone callus previously developed through osteotomies. Distraction osteogenesis allows making changes in large bone positioning, favoring bone growth as an action mechanism. This article aims to describe the surgical results of intraoral distraction osteogenesis of the midface used in two patients with severe facial asymmetries related to congenital malformations. Diagnosis, planning, technological tools, surgical techniques, and results obtained are explained.

Bony callus stiffness indirectly evaluated by the axial load-share ratio in vivo as a guide to removing a monolateral external fixator safely.

PURPOSE: As the monolateral external fixator is increasingly used in trauma-control and definitive management for high-energy long bone fractures, timing the fixator removal remains a challenge for surgeons. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the bony callus stiffness indirectly evaluated by the axial load-share ratio in vivo as a guide to removing a monolateral external fixator safely. METHODS: A total of 131 patients with tibial shaft fractures treated by the monolateral external fixator in our institution were collected from January 2013 to July 2019. In group I, the fixators were removed based on the clinical and radiological assessment only by the treating surgeon. As for group II, the axial load-share (LS) ratio test was accomplished by another medical team without the knowledge of the clinical results. The external fixator was removed when the mechanical test outcome (LS ratio < 10%) was consistent with the conclusion drawn from the clinical and radiological assessment (bone union achieved) by the treating surgeon. RESULTS: There was no statistical significance in demographic data between the two groups (P > 0.05). In group I, four patients suffered refracture (the refracture rate was 7.7%) after fixator removal and were successfully treated by an intramedullary nail. In group II, 71 patients underwent fixator removal after the first mechanical test, and another eight patients terminated the external fixation after the second test. None of the 79 patients in group II suffered refracture (the refracture rate was 0%). There was statistical significance in the refracture rate between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The bony callus stiffness indirectly evaluated by the axial load-share ratio in vivo using the additional circular frame components is an effectively quantitative indicator to complement the clinical assessment of fracture healing in a monolateral external fixation treatment. Removal of the monolateral external fixator is safe when the axial load-share ratio dropped below 10%.

Case Report: Hyperplastic Callus of the Femur Mimicking Osteosarcoma in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type V.

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V is a rare form of OI which is often characterized by hyperplastic callus. Misdiagnosis is a possibility due to its rarity and because patients involved are mostly in adolescence, a predisposing age for osteosarcoma. Here, we report this case and aim to improve understanding of patients with OI type V and avoid misdiagnosis. Case Presentation: A male, 14-year-old patient was admitted to Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital affiliated to Nanchang University in August 2020 due to repeated fractures for more than 11 years and swelling in his right leg for more than 4 years. The patient was diagnosed with OI in 2014 due to repeated fracture and was treated with bisphosphonates. The swelling was accompanied by huge callus formation. Prior to admission to our hospital in 2016 osteosarcoma was suspected by imaging and pathology, and amputation was recommended. OI-V was confirmed after more than four years of follow-up and genetic diagnosis, and the affected limb was preserved. Conclusion: The history of OI and lack of rapid progression suggested OI-V with a hyperplastic callus. Combined with genetic testing, the diagnosis was OI-V. Although the patient was at a predisposing age for osteosarcoma, diagnosis and treatment should be based on the medical history of the patient, imaging,and genetic testing, and sometimes even time-consuming retrospective observation.

Floating Shoulder Injury Resulting in Delayed Onset of Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Palsy.

As the brachial plexus traverses the costoclavicular space, it is susceptible to compression by pathologies affecting the clavicle. Clavicle nonunions with hypertrophic callus may cause a delayed onset of brachial plexus palsy. We present a rare case of a floating shoulder injury causing medial and posterior cord brachial plexus palsy two months after initial injury. After the diagnosis was established, the patient was treated successfully with expeditious brachial plexus decompression, callus excision, and rigid osteosynthesis, with healing of the clavicle nonunion and scapular fracture, and recovery of sensory and motor deficits.

Assessment of neovascularization during bone healing using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in a canine tibial osteotomy model: a preliminary study.

Blood perfusion of skeletal muscle and callus was evaluated using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in a canine osteotomy model to determine the applicability of CEUS in the assessment of neovascularization during fracture healing and to compare the vascular signals on CEUS between external skeletal fixation and cast-applied dogs. In 6 Beagle dogs, a simple transverse osteotomy was performed at the left tibial shaft and external skeletal fixation (n = 3) or a cast (n = 3) was applied. Radiography, power Doppler ultrasonography (power Doppler), and CEUS were performed until complete union was achieved. On CEUS, vascular changes were quantitatively evaluated by measuring peak intensity (PI) and time to PI in the soft tissue and callus and by counting the vascular signals. Vascular signals from the soft tissue were detected on power Doppler and CEUS on day 2. Significantly more vascular signals were detected by CEUS than by power Doppler. On CEUS, PI in the surrounding soft tissue was markedly increased after the fracture line appeared indistinctively changed on radiography in all dogs. In the cast-applied dogs, vascular signals from the periosteal and endosteal callus were detected on CEUS before mineralized callus was observed on radiography. CEUS was useful in assessing the vascularity of soft tissue and callus, particularly in indirect fracture healing, and provided indications of a normally healing fracture.

Assessment of neovascularization during bone healing using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in a canine tibial osteotomy model: a preliminary study

[Influence of frequently prescribed drugs on bone healing]. / Beeinflussung der Knochenheilung durch häufig verordnete Medikamente.

BACKGROUND: Bone healing after fractures is influenced by many different factors. Besides patient-related factors, such as age, gender and other comorbidities, other drugs taken also have a relevant impact on bone healing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to give an overview of the effects of frequently used drugs on fracture healing, with the exception of specific osteoporosis drugs and hormones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This overview is based on a medline search with the search string of each pharmacological agent. RESULTS: Frequently used pharmacological substances were identified, for example corticosteroids, antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, antidepressive drugs, antiepileptics, statins, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants and others. Except for antihypertensive drugs, thiazide diuretics and statins, which have osteoprotective effects and stimulate bone healing, all other drugs have negative effects on fracture healing in preclinical and animal studies. Clinical data are scarce. CONCLUSION: Data for the effects of the abovementioned pharmacological substances could be found mostly in preclinical studies. The effects of these agents on bone healing in humans has currently not been studied or published. Therefore, the use of these drugs should be discussed carefully in cases with a compromised fracture healing.

Dermatoses due to physical forces agents

Physical forces agents may induce distinctive skin changes. Pressure and friction induce callus and corn. Callus and corn arise at sites of friction or pressure, particularly palms and soles, and especially the bony prominences of the joints. Pressure, shearing forces, friction, and moisture are main etiologic factors of pressure ulcer. The pressure ulcer is caused by ischemia of the underlying structures of the skin, fat, and muscles. Skin has long been known to be a very radiosensitive organ. Skin changes after radiation exposure follow a predictable course dictated by radiation dose, timing, and the biology of the human inflammatory reaction. When the skin is exposed to radiation, acute radiation dermatitis, chronic radiation dermatitis, skin cancer, and radiation recall dermatitis may be developed.

Bone callus formation is highly disrupted by dietary restriction in growing rats sustaining a femoral fracture

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of food restriction on fracture healing in growing rats. Methods: Sixty-eight male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups: (1) Control and (2) Dietary restriction. After weaning the dietary restricted animals were fed ad libitum for 42 days with 50% of the standard chow ingested by the control group. Subsequently, the animals underwent bone fracture at the diaphysis of the right femur, followed by surgical stabilization of bone fragments. On days 14 and 28 post-fracture, the rats were euthanized, and the fractured femurs were dissected, the callus was analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry, mechanical tests, and gene expression. Results: Dietary restriction decreased body mass gain and resulted in several phenotypic changes at the bone callus (a delay in cell proliferation and differentiation, lower rate of newly formed bone and collagen deposition, reductions in bone callus density and size, decrease in tridimensional callus volume, deterioration in microstructure, and reduction in bone callus strength), together with the downregulated expression of osteoblast-related genes. Conclusion: Dietary restriction had detrimental effects on osseous healing, with a healing delay and a lower quality of bone callus formation.