Effect of amino acids lysine and arginine on fracture healing in rabbits: A radiological and histomorphological analysis.
BACKGROUND
Amino acids like arginine and lysine have been suggested to hasten the process of fracture healing by improving the local blood supply, supplementing growth factors, and improving collagen synthesis. We studied the role of lysine and arginine in the fracture repair process with regard to the rate of healing, probable mechanisms involved in the process, and mutual synergism between these agents.


METHODS
In an experimental study, 40 rabbits were subjected to ulnar osteotomy. They were distributed in control (14) and test groups (26). Twenty-six animals in the test group were fed with a diet rich in lysine and arginine. Both the groups were followed radiologically and histologically till union.


RESULTS
There was better healing of osteotomy in terms of better vascularization, callus formation, and mineralization in the test group. The time of healing in the test group was reduced by a period of 2 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that amino acids like arginine and lysine may hasten fracture healing.
Department of Orthopaedics, IPGMER, Kolkata, India.
Shivam
S
Sinha
Satish Chandra
SC
Goel