Overview of the fracture healing cascade.
Fracture healing is a dynamic process being governed by a variety of cellular elements and stimulating agents. Our knowledge in understanding the molecular and cellular processes occurring in healing fractures has vastly expanded as a result of the advances made in all aspects of medicine. The ability to manipulate mesenchymal stem cells and to deliver locally growth factors in order to create new bone has led to a proliferation of research papers. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the current level of understanding of the physiological processes regulating the healing of fractures.
Phillips
A M
AM
Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedics, Kings Hospital London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK. mark.phillips@nhs.net
D000818:Animals; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000503:physiopathology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051381:Rats
D016207:Cytokines; D006133:Growth Substances