[The mechanisms and sequence of the changes in the morphological properties of rib fractures with time]

The authors describe the biotribological process, disclose mechanisms and time course of morphological changes in fractured bones as exemplified by interactions between the ends of fragments in an extension fracture of a rib. These changes result from contacts between fragments due to persistent respiration and parallel processes closely connected, friction and repair regeneration. The data on mechanisms and time course of morphological changes in a fractured bone may prove useful not only for forensic medicine specialists, but for traumatologists as well.