FRACTURE WEAKENS IPSILATERAL LONG BONES - MECHANICAL AND METABOLIC CHANGES AFTER FEMORAL OR TIBIAL INJURY IN RATS

We have studied the effect of tibial osteotomy on mechanical and metab olic properties of the femur, and the effects of femoral osteotomy or fracture on mechanical properties of the tibia in rats. In the bone ip silateral to the trauma, there was a significant reduction of mechanic al strength and stiffness, both in bending and torsion, compared with the contralateral side. The ipsilateral bone lost weight and the blood flow was increased. The mineral incorporation rate was not affected. This may be due in part to disuse of the traumatized limb, but the fra cture itself may affect the other bones in the extremity.