[The third type of fracture healing]

Based on experimental and clinical studies, it was found that when fracture was nearly reduced, the choice and device of internal or external fixation was optimal and was used rationally, and thus rigid fixation was provided at the early stage. When immediate movements of joints were possible, relatively elastic fixation under weight-bearing at the later stage was done and no influence on transmission of the load and no signs of bone resorption could be seen at fracture ends. The fracture was repaired directly by Haversian system remodeling with a little callus. It is then called the third optimal type of fracture healing which is different from either primary or secondary healing. Using this new concept to treat fractures of long bones, not only will the fracture unite rapidly and functions restore satisfactorily, but also the strength and the stiffness of the healing bone will be greater, complications including non-union and refracture etc can be decreased or avoided.