title: Research directions for bone healing.
abstract: Recently our knowledge has vastly expanded in the pathophysiological mechanisms governing the healing process of fractures. Research is ongoing in every aspect of tissue engineering and regeneration. Several molecular mediators have entered phase III clinical trials in order to evaluate their efficacy in enhancing the biological activity of fractures. Despite these developments several issues of importance remain obscured. For instance the timing of intervention, the appropriate dose of agents, the length of intervention, the routine use of available growth factors in clinical practice or not represent some of the important areas requiring further investigation. This article highlights issues relating to bone regeneration which could potentially be the focus of research in the near future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, Beckett Str., Leeds LS9 7TF, UK. Toby.Branfoot@leedsth.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Toby
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Branfoot
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins