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Changes in bone-mass after tibial shaft fracture
Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Tibial shaft fractures can lead to moderate bone mineral loss in surrounding areas, but bone strength may increase at the fracture site. This study investigated bone mineral changes 30 months post-fracture.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Bone Metabolism
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Tibial shaft fractures are common injuries.
- Long-term bone mineral changes after fracture are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bone-mineral content in patients with previous tibial shaft fractures.
- To compare bone mineral density (BMD) changes in diaphyseal and metaphyseal bone.
Main Methods:
- Photon absorptiometry used to measure bone-mineral content.
- Study included 20 patients 30 months post-tibial shaft fracture.
Main Results:
- Moderate bone-mineral deficit observed in metaphyseal bone near the knee and distal tibia.
- Bone loss was less than previously reported.
- Diaphyseal bone showed insignificant changes, except for a 28% increase at the fracture site.
Conclusions:
- Significant bone mineral loss is not a universal outcome of tibial shaft fractures.
- Bone may exhibit localized strengthening at the fracture site after remodeling.