Local soft tissue compression enhances fracture healing in a rabbit fibula

The cytokines and micro-environment of fracture haematoma: Current evidence

Fracture haematoma formation is the first and foremost important stage of fracture healing. It orchestrates the inflammatory and cellular processes leading to the formation of callus and the restoration of the continuity of the bone. Evidence suggests that blocking this initial stage could lead to an impairment of the overall bone healing process. This review aims to analyse the existing evidence of molecular contributions to bone healing within fracture haematoma and to determine the potential to modify the molecular response to fracture in the haematoma with the aim of improving union times. A comprehensive search of literature documenting fracture haematoma cytokine content was performed. Suitable papers according to prespecified criteria were identified and analysed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. A total of 89 manuscripts formed the basis of this analysis. Low oxygen tension, high acidity, and high calcium characterised initially the fracture haematoma micro-environment. In addition, a number of cytokines have been measured with concentrations significantly higher than those found in peripheral circulation. Growth factors have also been isolated, with an observed increase in bone morphogenetic proteins, platelet-derived growth factor, and transforming growth factor. Although molecular modification of fracture haematoma has been attempted, more research is required to determine a suitable biological response modifier leading to therapeutic effects. The cytokine content of fracture haematoma gives insight into processes occurring in the initial stages of fracture healing. Manipulation of signalling molecules represents a promising pathway to target future therapies aiming to upregulate the osteogenesis.

Report from the 2013 meeting of the International Compression Club on advances and challenges of compression therapy

The International Compression Club, a collaboration of medical experts and industry representatives, was founded in 2005 to develop consensus reports and recommendations regarding the use of compression therapy in the treatment of acute and chronic vascular disease. During the recent meeting of the International Compression Club, member presentations were focused on the clinical application of intermittent pneumatic compression in different disease scenarios as well as on the use of inelastic and short stretch compression therapy. In addition, several new compression devices and systems were introduced by industry representatives. This article summarizes the presentations and subsequent discussions and provides a description of the new compression therapies presented.

Enhancement of Long Bone Fracture Healing by Local Soft Tissue Compression1

Endochondral fracture healing, the process in which callus bridges a fracture, can be enhanced using a brace with a deforming element. This deforming element acts to locally increase pressure at the fracture site. In this paper, we describe a bracing device, which has the capability of controlling blood flow in targeted regions of an extremity. Controlling the blood flow around a fracture site induces a mechanism that enhances fracture healing. We hypothesize that, since local oxygen tension is lowered by means of controlling the blood flow at the fracture site, fracture healing is accelerated and bony union is more likely. Using the results of several previous studies, we will show that increased mechanical pressure in the soft tissues over the fracture site enhances fracture healing.