Effect of venous stasis on the consolidation of fractures

In an experimental study of 60 rabbits (120 preparations) in which a bilateral fibular osteotomy was performed, a group of 40 rabbits had ligation of the vena cava, and a group of 20 rabbits were used as controls. The results were evaluated by microscopic study by H&E, PAS abd Alcian Blue staining and showed that venous stasis accelerates the process of fracture healing by increasing fibroblastic and osteoblastic proliferation and bone production. The effects of changes in pH, and concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide are suggested as the factors that modify the mechanism of osteogenesis, and greater quantities of mucopolysaccharide substances were observed at the fracture site in the group with venous stasis.