Effect of Age on Fracture Healing in the Rat: Series 3. Rattus norvegicus

A study of rat femoral fracture healing in young (6 weeks old at fracture), adult (26 weeks old at fracture), and old (52 weeks old at fracture) rats. Samples were collected at time of surgery (intact controls) and at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks after fracture. Samples were the mid third of the femoral length including the external callus, cortical bone and marrow elements. Fracture was stabilized with an intramedullary rod prior to fracture with a Bonnarens and Einhorn device. Keywords: time-course