Objective: Comparison of the healing process in open osteotomy and closed f
racture models that were used to study fracture healing.
Design: Randomized, prospective study inexperimental animals, with a recove
ry duration of two and four weeks.
Setting: Unrestricted cage activity with weight bearing as tolerated.
Animals: Thirty-four skeletally mature, female New Zealand White rabbits. I
nterventions: Closed fractures and open osteotomies of the tibial diaphysis
were reduced and immobilized with four-pin, double-bar external fixators.
Main Outcome Measurements: Callus circumference was measured with a tape me
asure, bridging callus was assessed on biplane radiographs and evaluated hi
stologically, and torsional stiffness and maximum torque were measured.
Results: Periosteum damage was more severe and hematoma formation was small
er in the osteotomy model, resulting in a delay in biological healing and r
estoration of the biomechanical properties.
Conclusions: Investigators should consider the difference between the close
d fracture and open osteotomy models when selecting an animal model to inve
stigate fracture healing.