Roentgenologic Findings in Non-union of Long Bone Fractures

Abstract

Healing of rat tibia and fibula fractures was studied with conventional x-ray, 99m Technetium albumin and 85 Strontium photoscans, barium micropaque arteriograms, and gross and histopathology. Four groups of fractures were studied: I. manually-induced fractures; 2. manually-induced fractures with repeated manipulation; 3. fractures with gastrocnemius muscle transection; 4. fractures with gastrocnemius muscle transection and interposition. Manuallyinduced fractures developed firm bone union by day 25. Repeated manipulation did not delay union. Fractures with transection of the gastrocnemius muscle developed firm union by day 45. Fractures with transection and interposition of the gastrocnemius muscle did not develop bone union. Sclerosis and rounding of the fracture ends were consistent findings; a hypovascular area adjacent to the fracture ends was observed. The 99m Technetium albumin and 85 Strontium activity was comparable in fractures with normal union, delayed union, and non-union.