[Bone fracture and the healing mechanisms. Metabolic bone disease and skeletal healing].

We described about skeletal healing in metabolic bone diseases. Fracture healing in osteoporosis was not well investigated basically and clinically. Clinical research is difficult because fracture healing is affected by underlined disease causing osteoporosis and medication for osteoporosis. Recent basic research using ovariectomized model revealed delayed callus formation and decreased callus strength. As for osteomalacia, callus formation was delayed, and to correct the calcium and phosphate balance using vitamin D or phosphate improve the fracture healing and mineralization. As for osteopetrosis, fracture healing was delayed, but in most cases healing could be achieved finally non-operatively. Femoral neck fracture and coxa vara deformity should be considered to treat operatively.