Journal of biomechanics
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Journal of biomechanics · Jan 2008
A new technique for internal fixation of femoral fractures in mice: impact of stability on fracture healing.
Mouse models are of increasing interest to study the molecular aspects of fracture healing. Because biomechanical factors greatly influence the healing process, stable fixation of the fracture is of interest also in mouse models. Unlike in large animals, however, there is a lack of mouse models which provide stable osteosynthesis. ⋯ Of interest, the pin-clip fixation showed reliable union after 5 weeks, whereas the unstable pin fixation did not regularly achieve adequate fracture healing. In conclusion, we introduce a novel, easily applicable internal osteosynthesis technique in mice, which provides rotational stability after femoral fracture fixation. We further show that a more stable osteosynthesis significantly improves the process of fracture healing also in mice.