Influence of geometrical personalization on the simulation of clavicle fractures

Finite element body models enable the evaluation of car occupant protection. In general, these models represent average males and inter-individual geometry variability is not taken into account. As the most frequent shoulder injury during car lateral accidents is a clavicle fracture, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether clavicle geometry has an influence on bone response until failure, and whether geometrical personalization of clavicle models is required. Eighteen clavicles from 9 subjects (5 males and 4 females, mean age: 76 +/- 12 years) were harvested. Six clavicles were scanned, enabling the development of subject-specific models and the quantification of geometrical features defining shape and cortical thickness. Bone mineral densities (BMD) were measured through double X-ray absorptiometry. Then, the general clavicle responses to dynamic compression until failure were studied. Simulations of the compression tests were carried out with the subject-specific models to assess the sensitivity of force-deflection clavicle responses to geometrical features. Clavicle fractures occurred at an average velocity of 1.41 +/- 0.4 ms(-1), with a fracture force of 1.48 +/- 0.46 kN and a deflection of 5.4 +/- 1.1 mm. A significant difference was found between male and female clavicle force values at rupture although their BMDs were not significantly different. Simulations with subject-specific models led to the conclusion that cortical bone thickness and bone shape have large effects on bone responses until failure and on fracture location. This study highlights the need for a geometrical personalization of clavicle models in order to take into account both gender discrepancies concerning clavicle shape and aging effects affecting cortical thickness.     

Development and validation of a subject-specific finite element model of a human clavicle

This study aimed to develop and validate a finite element (FE) model of a human clavicle which can predict the structural response and bone fractures under both axial compression and anterior–posterior three-point bending loads. Quasi-static non-injurious axial compression and three-point bending tests were first conducted on a male clavicle followed by a dynamic three-point bending test to fracture. Then, two types of FE models of the clavicle were developed using bone material properties which were set to vary with the computed tomography image density of the bone. A volumetric solid FE model comprised solely of hexahedral elements was first developed. A solid-shell FE model was then created which modelled the trabecular bone as hexahedral elements and the cortical bone as quadrilateral shell elements. Finally, simulations were carried out using these models to evaluate the influence of variations in cortical thickness, mesh density, bone material properties and modelling approach on the biomechanical responses of the clavicle, compared with experimental data. The FE results indicate that the inclusion of density-based bone material properties can provide a more accurate reproduction of the force–displacement response and bone fracture timing than a model with uniform bone material properties. Inclusion of a variable cortical thickness distribution also slightly improves the ability of the model to predict the experimental response. The methods developed in this study will be useful for creating subject-specific FE models to better understand the biomechanics and injury mechanism of the clavicle.     

锁骨远端锁定钢板治疗NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折的疗效及对肩关节功能恢复的影响

目的:探讨锁骨远端锁定钢板治疗NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折的疗效及对肩关节功能恢复的影响。方法:回顾性分析2015年7月～2017年10月期间四川省泸州市中医医院收治的107例NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折患者的临床资料,其中行锁骨钩钢板治疗的53例患者作为对照组,行锁骨远端锁定钢板治疗的54例患者作为研究组。比较两组术后1年的临床疗效,记录两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、手术切口长度、骨折愈合时间,比较两组术前、术后5周、术后10周肩关节功能情况,记录并发症发生情况。结果:研究组术后1年优良率为90.74%(49/54),显著高于对照组患者的64.15%(34/53)(P0.05)。两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、手术切口长度以及骨折愈合时间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者术后5周、术后10周肩关节功能、肩关节活动度、X线评定、患侧肩部疼痛、关节稳定性评分高于术前,且术后10周高于术后5周(P0.05);研究组术后5周、术后10周上述指标评分高于对照组(P0.05)。研究组术后并发症总发生率为7.41%(4/54),低于对照组的32.08%(17/53)(P0.05)。结论:锁骨远端锁定钢板治疗NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折安全有效,可有效改善患者肩关节功能,促进术后恢复。     

A regression-based 3-D shoulder rhythm

In biomechanical modeling of the shoulder, it is important to know the orientation of each bone in the shoulder girdle when estimating the loads on each musculoskeletal element. However, because of the soft tissue overlying the bones, it is difficult to accurately derive the orientation of the clavicle and scapula using surface markers during dynamic movement. The purpose of this study is to develop two regression models which predict the orientation of the clavicle and the scapula. The first regression model uses humerus orientation and individual factors such as age, gender, and anthropometry data as the predictors. The second regression model includes only the humerus orientation as the predictor. Thirty-eight participants performed 118 static postures covering the volume of the right hand reach. The orientation of the thorax, clavicle, scapula and humerus were measured with a motion tracking system. Regression analysis was performed on the Euler angles decomposed from the orientation of each bone from 26 randomly selected participants. The regression models were then validated with the remaining 12 participants. The results indicate that for the first model, the r² of the predicted orientation of the clavicle and the scapula ranged between 0.31 and 0.65, and the RMSE obtained from the validation dataset ranged from 6.92° to 10.39°. For the second model, the r² ranged between 0.19 and 0.57, and the RMSE obtained from the validation dataset ranged from 6.62° and 11.13°. The derived regression-based shoulder rhythm could be useful in future biomechanical modeling of the shoulder.     

桥接组合式内固定系统结合Nice结与锁定钢板治疗锁骨中段粉碎性骨折疗效比较研究

摘要 目的：对比桥接组合式内固定系统（OBS）结合Nice结与锁定钢板治疗锁骨中段粉碎性骨折的疗效。方法：回顾性选取2021年6月至2022年1月间在我院接受治疗的锁骨中段粉碎性骨折患者（n=66）的临床资料。根据手术方式的不同将患者分为A组（锁定钢板治疗,32例）和B组（桥接组合式内固定系统结合Nice结,34例）,对比两组临床症状恢复情况、并发症发生率、视觉疼痛模拟评分（VAS）、Constant-Murley评分和肩关节活动度。结果：两组骨折愈合时间对比无差异（P>0.05）。B组术中出血量少于A组,手术时间短于A组（P<0.05）。两组术后3个月Constant-Murley评分升高,VAS评分下降（P<0.05）,B组术后3个月VAS评分低于A组,Constant-Murley评分高于A组（P<0.05）。两组术后3个月前屈、后伸、内旋、外旋的肩关节活动度增大（P<0.05）,且B组术后3个月前屈、后伸、内旋、外旋的肩关节活动度均大于A组（P<0.05）。两组并发症发生率组间比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）。结论：OBS与锁定钢板治疗锁骨中段粉碎性骨折相比,OBS结合Nice结治疗可减少术中出血量,缩短手术时间,促进骨折愈合,扩大肩关节活动度,改善肩关节功能,疗效更好。     

克氏针内固定术与钢板内固定术治疗锁骨骨折的临床疗效比较

目的:比较克氏针内固定术与钢板内固定术在锁骨骨折患者中的临床疗效和安全性。方法:收集我院收治的的70例锁骨骨折患者,随机分为克氏针内固定组和钢板内固定组,每组35例。克氏针内固定组患者给予克氏针内固定术,钢板内固定组患者采用钢板内固定术,观察并比较两组患者手术时间、住院时间,术中出血量,畸形愈合、延迟愈合、肩关节疼痛、切口感染、钢板断裂等并发症的发生率以及临床疗效。结果:与钢板内固定组相比,克氏针内固定组患者的手术时间以及住院时间较短,术中出血量较少,但并发症发生率较高,临床治疗优良率较低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:钢板内固定组患者的临床效果较好,并发症发生率较低,但克氏针内固定方法在手术时间、住院时间,术中出血量方面具有一定的优势。     

Main component of soft tissue artifact of the upper-limbs with respect to different functional,daily life and sports movements

Soft tissue artifact (STA) is the main source of error in kinematic estimation of human movements based on skin markers. Our objective was to determine the components of marker displacements that best describe STA of the shoulder and arm (i.e. clavicle, scapula and humerus). Four participants performed arm flexion and rotation, a daily-life and a sports movement. Three pins with reflective markers were inserted into the clavicle, scapula and humerus. In addition, up to seven skin markers were stuck on each segment. STA was described with a modal approach: individual marker displacements or marker-cluster (i.e. translations, rotations, homotheties and stretches) relative to the local segment coordinate system defined by markers secured to the pins. The modes were then ranked according to the percentage of total STA energy that they explained. Both individual skin marker displacements and marker-cluster geometrical transformations were task-, location-, segment- and subject-specific. However, 85% of the total STA energy was systematically explained by the rigid transformations (i.e. translations and rotations of the marker-cluster). In conclusion, large joint dislocations and limited efficiency of least squares bone pose estimators are expected for the computation of upper limb joint kinematics from skin markers. Future developments shall consider the rigid transformations of marker-clusters in the implementation of an STA model to reduce its effects on kinematics estimation.     

Measurement of clavicular length and shortening after a midshaft clavicular fracture: Spatial digitization versus planar roentgen photogrammetry

Purpose: Clavicular shortening after fracture is deemed prognostic for clinical outcome and is therefore generally assessed on radiographs. It is used for clinical decision making regarding operative or non-operative treatment in the first 2 weeks after trauma, although the reliability and accuracy of the measurements are unclear. This study aimed to assess the reliability of roentgen photogrammetry (2D) of clavicular length and shortening, and to compare these with 3D-spatial digitization measurements, obtained with an electromagnetic recording system (Flock of Birds). Patients and methods: Thirty-two participants with a consolidated non-operatively treated two or multi-fragmented dislocated midshaft clavicular fracture were analysed. Two observers measured clavicular lengths and absolute and proportional clavicular shortening on radiographs taken before and after fracture consolidation. The clavicular lengths were also measured with spatial digitization. Inter-observer agreement on the radiographic measurements was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Agreement between the radiographic and spatial digitization measurements was assessed using a Bland–Altman plot. Results: The inter-observer agreement on clavicular length, and absolute and proportional shortening on trauma radiographs was almost perfect (ICC > 0.90), but moderate for absolute shortening after consolidation (ICC = 0.45). The Bland–Altman plot compared measurements of length on AP panorama radiographs with spatial digitization and showed that planar roentgen photogrammetry resulted in up to 37 mm longer and 34 mm shorter measurements than spatial digitization. Conclusion: Measurements of clavicular length on radiographs are highly reliable between observers, but may not reflect the actual length and shortening of the clavicle when compared to length measurements with spatial digitization. We recommend to use proportional shortening when measuring clavicular length or shortening on radiographs for clinical decision making.     

External Validation of the Garvan Nomograms for Predicting Absolute Fracture Risk: The Troms? Study

Background

Absolute risk estimation is a preferred approach for assessing fracture risk and treatment decision making. This study aimed to evaluate and validate the predictive performance of the Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator in a Norwegian cohort.

Methods

The analysis included 1637 women and 1355 aged 60+ years from the Tromsø study. All incident fragility fractures between 2001 and 2009 were registered. The predicted probabilities of non-vertebral osteoporotic and hip fractures were determined using models with and without BMD. The discrimination and calibration of the models were assessed. Reclassification analysis was used to compare the models performance.

Results

The incidence of osteoporotic and hip fracture was 31.5 and 8.6 per 1000 population in women, respectively; in men the corresponding incidence was 12.2 and 5.1. The predicted 5-year and 10-year probability of fractures was consistently higher in the fracture group than the non-fracture group for all models. The 10-year predicted probabilities of hip fracture in those with fracture was 2.8 (women) to 3.1 times (men) higher than those without fracture. There was a close agreement between predicted and observed risk in both sexes and up to the fifth quintile. Among those in the highest quintile of risk, the models over-estimated the risk of fracture. Models with BMD performed better than models with body weight in correct classification of risk in individuals with and without fracture. The overall net decrease in reclassification of the model with weight compared to the model with BMD was 10.6% (p = 0.008) in women and 17.2% (p = 0.001) in men for osteoporotic fractures, and 13.3% (p = 0.07) in women and 17.5% (p = 0.09) in men for hip fracture.

Conclusions

The Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator is valid and clinically useful in identifying individuals at high risk of fracture. The models with BMD performed better than those with body weight in fracture risk prediction.     

锁骨远端解剖锁定钢板结合Nice结环扎与锁骨钩钢板治疗Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折的疗效比较研究

摘要 目的：以锁骨钩钢板为对照,探讨锁骨远端解剖锁定钢板结合Nice结环扎治疗Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折的临床疗效,为临床Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折的治疗提供合理方案。方法：回顾性分析自2017年1月~2020年1月宿迁市第一人民医院收治的38例Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折患者的临床资料,按内固定方式不同进行分组,其中18例采用锁骨远端解剖锁定板结合Nice结环扎固定（观察组）,20例采用锁骨钩钢板内固定（对照组）。记录两组手术时间、术中出血量、骨折愈合时间、术后并发症,并于术后3个月和6个月时进行视觉模拟评分法（VAS）评分及肩关节功能Constant-Murley和UCLA评分。结果：38例患者手术均顺利完成,两组手术时间及术中出血量比较无差异（P>0.05）。38例患者手术均获得随访,两组骨折愈合时间比较无差异（P>0.05）;观察组并发症发生率（11.11%）低于对照组（40.00%）（P<0.05）。观察组术后3个月和6个月的VAS评分均低于对照组,而Constant- Murley和UCLA评分均高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折采用锁骨远端解剖锁定钢板结合Nice结环扎治疗固定效果确切,患者术后肩关节功能恢复良好,并发症少,痛疼程度轻,相较于锁骨钩钢板治疗,其优势明显,可作为临床治疗Neer Ⅱ型锁骨远端骨折的推荐方案。     

锁骨骨折内固定失效的原因分析及对策

目的：探讨锁骨骨折切开复位内固定术后内固定失效的原因,并寻找补救方案。方法：选择我院2007年5月~2010年5月收治的184例锁骨骨折患者,其中男性123例,女性61例,年龄24~76岁,对手术切开复位内固定失败病例的内固定方法进行对比,分析内固定失效的原因,并选取记忆合金环抱器或天鹅型记忆接骨器作为再次手术的内固定器械,分析其临床疗效。结果：本组所有病例均获得6~24个月随访,所有患者首次手术均行钢板内固定治疗,其中应用重建钢板治疗48例,解剖钢板治疗86例,锁骨钩钢板治疗50例,3例术后发生钢板或螺钉断裂患者选用记忆合金环抱器重新手术内固定治疗,2例痊愈,1例记忆合金环抱器再次发生断裂,改用天鹅型记忆接骨器治疗获得痊愈。3例骨不连患者均选择天鹅型记忆接骨器配合植骨内固定治疗,术后恢复良好。结论：锁骨骨折切开复位内固定术后内固定失败的原因主要与所使用内固定技术不合理及患者早期不正确的功能锻炼有关。记忆合金环抱器和天鹅型记忆接骨器均可作为钢板内固定失败术后的补救方案,但天鹅型记忆接骨器较记忆合金环抱器可提供更好的纵向加压作用,治疗钢板断裂及骨不连患者更为可靠。     

中国汉族锁骨性别差异的初步研究

本文通过对中国汉族２７９副成人干燥锁骨的测量（其中男性：２４１副,女性：３８副）,研究了中国汉族锁骨性别判定的方法,研究结果表明,用单一指标进行锁骨的性别,准确率很低,本文作者提出了锁骨表面积指数,锁骨截面积指数,并以此作为锁骨性别判定的依据,性别判别率最高可分别为９０．６８％和８４．２３％。本文提出的方法是骨骼性别判定中一种新的简单而准确的方法。     

Functional subdivision of the upper trapezius muscle during maximal isometric contractions

The electromyographic (EMG) activity pattern across the upper trapezius of 22 healthy subjects was investigated during maximal isometric contractions. Eight bipolar surface electrodes with 10 mm distance between adjacent electrode pairs were placed on a line from the clavicle to the scapula. At the region near the clavicle the highest EMG amplitudes were recorded during 90 ° arm abduction. At the more posterior parts the highest amplitudes were found both during arm abduction and shoulder elevation. A double differential recording technique which reduced the EMG cross-talk contribution supported the finding that the upper trapezius was differently activated when the arm posture was changed. The normalized EMG amplitude-force relationship during the shoulder elevation showed a curvilinear relationship on the anterior part of the upper trapezius with a slower increase in EMG amplitude than force at low force. The slope of the curve, at low force, increased gradually in the posterior direction on the upper trapezius. The EMG activity patterns across the upper trapezius indicate a flexibility in motor activation which maybe reflects a functional optimization of the contractions performed by this muscle.     

CTA联合CEUS在锁骨上皮瓣术前设计中的应用

目的:探讨计算机断层扫描血管造影(CTA)联合对比增强超声(CEUS)在锁骨上皮瓣术前设计中的应用价值。方法:将2016年1月2018年12月本院收治的15例锁骨上皮瓣术前患者作为研究对象。所有患者术前进行CTA和CEUS联合检查以观察锁骨上动脉穿支解剖变异及走行,应用于锁骨上皮瓣术前的辅助设计,评估该方法的成功率和并发症的发生情况。结果:15例患者的锁骨上动脉来源于颈横动脉,其中5例(33.33%)来自甲状颈干,10例(66.67%)来自锁骨下动脉。CTA检查中,10例识别出右锁骨上动脉,血管平均长度为(38.25±11.08)mm,血管平均直径(1.52±0.45)mm;13例确定了左锁骨上动脉,血管平均长度为(38.14±11.05)mm,血管平均直径(1.52±0.51)mm。CEUS检查的15个皮瓣中,发现27个胸锁骨上动脉的胸廓分支(TBSA),平均口径为(0.8±0.2)mm,平均收缩期峰值流速(PSV)为(11.95±2.08)cm/s。所有病例(100%)术中观察皮瓣血管数量、走形等情况与术前影像学相一致的手术结果。与造影剂有关的并发症发生率为6.67%。所有患者均随访1年以上,无进一步并发症,手术效果满意。结论:将CTA和CEUS相结合用于锁骨上皮瓣术前的辅助设计,可互为补充,尤其适用于锁骨上皮瓣(SCF)存在血管解剖变异而且管径细小的皮瓣术前设计。     

Bushenhuoxue formula accelerates fracture healing via upregulation of TGF-β/Smad2 signaling in mesenchymal progenitor cells

BackgroundAlthough Bushenhuoxue formula (BSHXF) is successfully used as a non-traumatic therapy in treating bone fracture in China, the molecular mechanism underlying its effects remains poorly understood.PurposeThe present study aims to explore the therapeutic effects of BSHXF on fracture healing in mice and the underlying mechanism.MethodsWe performed unilateral open transverse tibial fracture procedure in C57BL/6 mice which were treated with or without BSHXF. Fracture callus tissues were collected and analyzed by X-ray, micro-CT, biomechanical testing, histopathology and quantitative gene expression analysis. Tibial fracture procedure was also performed in Cre-negative and Gli1-CreER; Tgfbr2flox/flox conditional knockout (KO) mice (Tgfbr2^Gli1ER) to determine if BSHXF enhances fracture healing in a TGF-β-dependent manner. In addition, scratch-wound assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay were used to evaluate the effect of BSHXF on cell migration and cell proliferation in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells, respectively.ResultsBSHXF promoted endochondral ossification and enhanced bone strength in wild-type (WT) or Cre- control mice. In contrast, BSHXF failed to promote bone fracture healing in Tgfbr2^Gli1ER conditional KO mice. In the mice receiving BSHXF treatment, TGF-β/Smad2 signaling was significantly activated. Moreover, BSHXF enhanced cell migration and cell proliferation in C3H10T1/2 cells, which was strongly attenuated by the small molecule inhibitor SB525334 against TGF-β type I receptor.ConclusionThese data demonstrated that BSHXF promotes fracture healing by activating TGF-β/Smad2 signaling. BSHXF may be used as a type of alternative medicine for the treatment of bone fracture healing.     

Alzheimer’s Disease is an Important Risk Factor of Fractures: a Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies

The risk of fracture in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease had not been fully quantified. A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies was performed to estimate the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on risk of fractures. Pubmed and Embase were searched for eligible cohort studies assessing the association between Alzheimer’s disease and risk of fractures. The overall relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model to evaluate the association. Six cohort studies with a total of 137,986 participants were included into the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of a total of six studies showed that Alzheimer’s disease was significantly associated with two-fold increased risk of fractures (RR?=?2.18, 95 % CI 1.64–2.90, P?<?0.001; I ²?=?91.4 %). Meta-regression analysis showed that type of fractures was a source of heterogeneity (P?=?0.003). Meta-analysis of five studies on hip fracture showed that Alzheimer’s disease was significantly associated with 2.5-fold increased risk of hip fracture (RR?=?2.52, 95 % CI 2.26–2.81, P?<?0.001; I ²?=?25.2 %). There was no risk of publication bias observed in the funnel plot. There is strong evidence that Alzheimer’s disease is a risk factor of hip fracture.     

Osteoporosis Treatment After Osteoporotic Fractures: Data From a Single Medical Center

ObjectiveMost patients do not receive osteoporosis treatment after osteoporotic fracture. This study reviewed osteoporosis treatment after osteoporotic fractures in a center without a Fracture Liaison Service.MethodsWe identified all patients with hip, vertebral, humeral or radial fractures, evaluated in Meir Medical Center, in 2017. The exclusion criteria were not a Clalit Health Services member, high-energy fracture or 30-day postoperative mortality. The primary endpoint was osteoporosis drugs issued within 12 months of fracture. Secondary endpoints included bone densitometry and 1-year mortality.ResultsFive-hundred-eighty-two patients (average age 78.6 ± 11.1 years, 75.8% women) were included. There were 321 (55.5%) hip, 84 (14.1%) humeral, 33 (5.6%) vertebral, and 144 (24.7%) radial fractures. Osteoporosis drugs were issued to 26.5% of the patients; those with humeral fractures received the least (21.4%) and vertebral, the most (30.3%; P = .51). Bone densitometry was performed in 23.2% of patients. One-year mortality after hip fracture was 12.1%, followed by humeral (3.6%; P < .05). Logistic regression showed that previous treatment (odds ratio [OR] = 7.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6–15.2), bone densitometry (OR = 4.4; 95% CI 2.6–7.4) and endocrinology visit (OR = 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4–4.6) were the most important factors associated with treatment.ConclusionFewer than one third of patients received pharmacotherapy within 1 year after fracture. Because pharmacotherapy reduces future fractures and mortality, we recommend that medical staff who care for patients with fracture adopt practical and effective strategies to increase treatment rates among patients with osteoporotic fractures.     

Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN) versus Reconstruction Plate Repair of Midshaft Clavicular Fractures: A Finite Element Study

BackgroundThe biomechanical characteristics of midshaft clavicular fractures treated with titanium elastic nail (TEN) is unclear. This study aimed to present a biomechanical finite element analysis of biomechanical characteristics involved in TEN fixation and reconstruction plate fixation for midshaft clavicular fractures.MethodsFinite element models of the intact clavicle and of midshaft clavicular fractures fixed with TEN and with a reconstruction plate were built. The distal clavicle displacement, peak stress, and stress distribution on the 3 finite element models were calculated under the axial compression and cantilever bending.ResultsIn both loading configurations, TEN generated the highest displacement of the distal clavicle, followed by the intact clavicle and the reconstruction plate. TEN showed higher peak bone and implant stresses, and is more likely to fail in both loading configurations compared with the reconstruction plate. TEN led to a stress distribution similar to that of the intact clavicle in both loading configurations, whereas the stress distribution with the reconstruction plate was nonphysiological in cantilever bending.ConclusionsTEN is generally preferable for treating simple displaced fractures of the midshaft clavicle, because it showed a stress distribution similar to the intact clavicle. However, TEN provides less stability, and excessive exercise of and weight bearing on the ipsilateral shoulder should be avoided in the early postoperative period. Fixation with a reconstruction plate was more stable but showed obvious stress shielding. Therefore, for patients with a demand for early return to activity, reconstruction plate fixation may be preferred.     

Traumatic brain injury and bone healing: radiographic and biomechanical analyses of bone formation and stability in a combined murine trauma model

Introduction:The combination of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and long-bone fractures has previously been reported to lead to exuberant callus formation. The aim of this experimental study was to radiographically and biomechanically study the effect of TBI on bone healing in a mouse model.Materials and methods:138 female C57/Black6N mice were assigned to four groups (fracture (Fx) / TBI / combined trauma (Fx/TBI) / controls). Femoral osteotomy and TBI served as variables: osteotomies were stabilized with external fixators, TBI was induced with controlled cortical impact injury. During an observation period of four weeks, in vivo micro-CT scans of femora were performed on a weekly basis. Biomechanical testing of femora was performed ex vivo.Results:The combined-trauma group showed increased bone volume, higher mineral density, and a higher rate of gap bridging compared to the fracture group. The combined-trauma group showed increased torsional strength at four weeks.Discussion:TBI results in an increased formation of callus and mineral density compared to normal bone healing in mice. This fact combined with a tendency towards accelerated gap bridging leads to increased torsional strength. The present study underscores the empirical clinical evidence that TBI stimulates bone healing. Identification of underlying pathways could lead to new strategies for bone-stimulating approaches in fracture care.     

Systemic Treatment with Vanadium Absorbed by Coprinus comatus Promotes Femoral Fracture Healing in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of vanadium absorbed by Coprinus comatus (VACC) on fracture healing in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Forty-five male Wistar rats used were divided into three groups: normal rats (control), diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with VACC. A standardized fracture-healing model with a stable plate fixation was established for the rat femoral fracture. After a 4-week stable fixation, callus quality was assessed by microcomputerized tomography and histological and biomechanical examinations. In addition, bone samples were obtained to evaluate the content of mineral substances in bones. Compared with the diabetic group, vanadium treatment significantly increased bone mineral content and biomechanical strength and improved microstructural properties of the callus. The ultimate load was increased by 29.1 % (P?<?0.05), and the total bone volume of callus enhanced by 11.2 % (P?<?0.05) at 4 weeks post fracture. Vanadium also promoted callus bone formation, which caused a 35.5 % increase in the total area of callus. However, VACC did not accelerate the fracture repair process in histological analysis. In conclusion, the current study suggests that systemic treatment with vanadium could promote fracture healing in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.