A biomechanical comparison of the effects of constant and cyclic compression on fracture healing in rabbit long bones.

In a biomechanical study, the strength of healing experimental fractures in rabbit tibias was compared for two different healing environments. During the healing period large constant compression was applied to one leg, while the other leg was subjected to cyclic compression forces. Rabbits were sacrificed at 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 weeks after the operation. The healing bones were tested in a dynamic torsion testing machine. Results indicate that on an average basis the cyclic compression treated bones exhibited higher torque and energy absorption to failure, but lower stiffness as compared with the constant compression treated bones, during the 30 to 50 days' healing period. These differences were statistically significant. Additionally, it was estimated that a 27 per cent saving in healing time may be realized for a bone treated with cyclic as compared with constant compression.