A quantitative comparative analysis of fracture healing under the influence of compression plating vs. closed weight-bearing treatment.

The study compared the healing of fractures treated with rigid immobilization with the healing of fractures without internal fixation. Comparative studies were made of the cytologic, morphologic and mechanical properties of callus from closed fractures in 2 groups of dogs: one plated, the other not. Significant differences were observed in the 2 groups in early stages of healing. The biomechanical differences between the 2 groups persisted into later stages of healing, even after histologic and electron microscopic appearance of cellular activity and new bone formation had become similar. In general, closed, nondisplaced fractures of dogs' radii treated without surgical procedures and followed by early functional activity demonstrated a cytologically more active endosteal callus and increased biomechanical strength characteristics at the fracture site.