Fracture healing monitored with strain gauges. External fixation of 7 humeral neck fractures.
We measured healing in 7 cases of surgical neck fracture of the humerus by applying a strain gauge measuring bar between the external fixation pins. Repeated measurements provided a healing curve for the individual cases. The gradual decrease in deflection of the fracture zone reached a plateau of about 50 percent after 2 to 4 weeks in 6 cases. Removal of the frame at this time proved safe, as solid healing occurred. In one fracture no such decrease was seen and nonunion developed.
Kristiansen
B
B
Department of Orthopedics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Borgwardt
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002146:Bony Callus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D011859:Radiography; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*