title: Experimental study on healing of bone fractures using L-dopa.
abstract: Internal fixation with plate and screws was combined with administration of L-Dopa, which presumably operates by stimulating release of growth hormone. The combination induces osteogenesis, callus formation and complete union in the experimental femur osteotomy gap (10-20 mm long). Complete clinical and radiologic union was achieved in dogs treated for 3-6 weeks, thus achieving healing of a bone gap which otherwise would have formed a pseudarthrosis.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002146:Bony Callus / Q000187:drug effects; D004285:Dogs; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D007980:Levodopa