title: The measurement of relative interfragmentary deformation in diaphyseal fractures of the lower extremity stabilised by flexible endomedullary nailing. A radiographic analysis.
abstract: Following a review of current knowledge on the anatomical, histological and biomechanical aspects of fracture healing, the authors present an original method for the measurement of relative interfragmentary deformation in diaphyseal fractures of the lower extremity stabilised by flexible intramedullary nailing. The first data obtained is reported. In the examples reported, the authors have determined the precise amount of relative interfragmentary deformation in diaphyseal fractures of the lower extremity stabilised by flexible intramedullary nailing. The first data obtained is reported. In the examples reported, the authors have determined the precise amount of relative interfragmentary deformation in each case, using accurate digitizer measurement on the radiographs with and without loading. This method makes it possible to measure relative interfragmentary deformation and monitor it over a period of time. The authors conclude that relative interfragmentary deformation is beneficial to the healing of fractures provided it is kept within the limits of the "strain-tolerance" of the various types of callus which succeed one another during fracture healing.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Orthopaedics & Traumatology, University of Catania.
authors.forename: Q
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Mollica
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gangitano
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Longo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014945:Wound Healing