Effects of prostaglandin on fracture healing: An experimental study on rabbits

The effect of locally administered prostaglandin (PGE(2)) on fracture heali ng was studied in 8 adult New Zealand White rabbits divided equally in 2 gr oups. In all animals, midshaft transverse fracture of both the ulnae was cr eated under thiopental (2.5%) anaesthesia. In test group, 0.1 ml (25 mug) p rostaglandin was injected at fracture site on alternate day for 30 postoper ative days. Radiographs taken immediately and on days 10, 20, 30 and 40 pos toperatively. In test group (A), periosteal proliferation started as early as on day 10 postoperatively and complete obliteration of fracture gap was observed on day 30, Remodelling of bridging callus and well developed perio steal continuity were observed on day 40 PO. Whereas in control group, frac ture healing was comparatively slow, delayed and the defect site was well v isible till day 40 PO. Histopathological observations further confirmed the radiological findings. No physiological side effects and other complicatio ns were observed in any group.